Will (probably) switch from Skinny, but when?

Forums › 2degrees (including Slingshot, Orcon, Flip, Stuff Fibre, MyRepublic, 2talk and Vocus) › Will (probably) switch from Skinny, but when?

sqw

16 posts

Geek

#303490 14-Feb-2023 10:18

After a long period overseas I came back a few years ago and signed up with Skinny because when I left NZ Telecom's coverage was the best in remote areas. I've found that might no longer be the case. There are numerous areas with no coverage along state highways in the top of the south (the turnoff to Mapua and Wakapuaka being just two examples). It's worse in the backcountry where friends with Vodafone and 2 Degrees often have signal and I don't.

So I'm thinking about switching to 2Degrees. Curious to know what other's experience is in remote areas — is Spark lagging behind now?

It's just a question of when I switch. I have an iPhone X and will upgrade to the new iPhone when its released. Do 2Degrees have offers to port over to them when the iPhones are released? I seem to recall they do, but I may be imagining it.

shk292

2692 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#3036296 14-Feb-2023 10:27

I've been on Spark for several years and have found the coverage generally to be at least as good as the other networks (I have family members on 2D and previously had a work phone on VF). The only notable exception to this I've noticed is Great Barrier Island, where Spark coverage is virtually non-existent. I did some touring in northern SI last year and didn't notice significant shortfalls in Spark coverage but was only there for a week

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SCUBADOO

170 posts

Master Geek

#3036306 14-Feb-2023 10:50

We are currently camped in our Motorhome a few kilometers north of Mapua.
4G Vodafone signal strength is full blast while Skinny is much weaker registering just 1 or 2 bars on our phones.
Vodafone data throughput is just 0.6 Mbs. Skinny is much healthier at nearer 25 Mbs.
Too many users?

michaelmurfy

cat
12219 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

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Lifetime subscriber

#3036318 14-Feb-2023 11:52

I am personally on Spark + 2degrees (dual sim) as I've found 2degrees to be great around Wellington but Spark to be best out where my parents are. It all depends where you are. But also 2degrees has really caught up and I find that 2degrees often has coverage in places Spark doesn't.

Just try a prepaid sim and try them + keep an eye on offers on their website + in their stores.

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
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wratterus

1687 posts

Uber Geek

#3036323 14-Feb-2023 12:00

I have found very few areas around the top of the south where either Vodafone or 2Degrees have better coverage than Spark. In fact I would say 2D's coverage is significantly inferior around here. Just have a look at the GIS map to see the extra towers Spark have vs the others, and often in better positions too. And even in areas where coverage is worse, generally performance is equivalent or better.

Obviously there will be specific areas where this may not be the case, but overall I'd definitely recommend Skinny/Spark for anyone around the top of the south, especially if you spend any time in & around the sounds.

Silvrav

366 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

#3036339 14-Feb-2023 12:56

I just did the opposite, moved from vodofone to skinny and wireless broadband to Spark. In our rural area vodafone and 2deg are non existent but Spark/Skinny can deliver full speed. I think it depends from area to area as if one provider dominates in the area it might be to expensive to compete for the other providers.