The 2degrees FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

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freitasm

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#38936 6-Aug-2009 11:59

1.What is the 2degrees mobile operator?

It is a new mobile provider in New Zealand.

2.What technology is used by 2degrees network?

The 2degrees network is a 2G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE 900 MHz) and 3G (WCDMA/HSPA+ 2100 MHz) network. Initially 2G services are available and some time in the future they will enable the 3G part of the network.

3.Is the 2degrees a GSM service?

Yes.

4.What is the coverage of this new mobile network?

2degress has deployed more the 430 cell sites around New Zealand's main centres (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch). Everywhere else 2degrees customers will be able to roam on Vodafone's 2G network.

5.Is mobile data available on 2degrees?

Yes. Currently mobile data is available on its 2G network (GPRS/EDGE). EDGE is only available when your mobile or data card is connected to a 2degrees cell site. If your device is roaming on Vodafone only GPRS will be available.

That's because 2degrees has not signed a 3G roaming agreement with Vodafone,

6.Can I use my current GSM handset on the new 2degrees network?

If the handset is not SIM locked it should work just fine.

7. How do I unlock my handset from another provider?

Vodafone New Zealand handsets are not locked. If you have a locked device from other telco, contact your current provider or seller.

8.Will the iPhone 3G/3G S work on the 2degrees network?

Yes, it will but only with GPRS and EDGE data speeds. This is until their own 3G network is open to the public.

9.Where can I roam with my 2degrees account?

At launch there are 11 destinations you can use your 2degrees SIM card. This includes Australia, UK, Fiji and USA.

10.I have a bundle that gives me free SMS/voice calls to other Telecom New Zealand mobiles. Will it be the same?

No. 2degrees offers its own prices. Visit their website at www.2degreesmobile.co.nz for current pricing.

11.Does 2degrees offer On Account and Prepay plans?

2degrees is currently offering Prepay only.

12.When can I join the 2degrees service?

Now.

13.What is the prefix for the 2degrees network?

The new network uses the 022 prefix.

14.Can I port my number from another provider to 2degrees?

Yes, number portability is available for some time now and can be done to the new network.

15.I bought a 2degrees SIM card but I want to change its number. Can I do this?

Once you activate the SIM by calling 200 from your handset you can login to their website and change the number to another 022 number (or initiate porting). It's free to do it for the first time, and there's a fee for each subsequent number change.

16.What mobile data plans are available?

Visit their website at www.2degreesmobile.co.nz for current pricing.

17.Can I use Windows Mobile devices on the 2degrees network?

Yes, if the device is not locked.

18.Can I use Symbian devices on the 2degrees network?

Yes, if the device is not locked.

19.Can I use Android devices on the 2degrees network?

Yes, if the device is not locked.

20.Will I keep credits on my prepaid account if I port my number 2degrees?

No. You have to use your credits on your current mobile operator first.

21.Do 2degrees charge for call to its help desk?

No.

22.What is the APN configuration for 2degrees?

You can find a 2degrees APNs summary here.

23.How do I place international calls from a handset connected to 2degrees?

The standard convention is to dial + [country code] [area code] [phone number]. You can get the "+" sign if you press and hold 0 on your handset's keypad. Or you can enter 00 [country code] [area code] [phone number].

The problem is that "00" only works in New Zealand. Other countries use other codes. The "+" is universal though and will work in any other country. So for easier roaming, always use "+". Actually always enter phones into the phonebook with the + [country code] [area code] [phone number] format. If you dial this within New Zealand the system knows it's a local or long distance call - you won't be charged international rates to call New Zealand number when using this format.

24.Are there any 2degrees stores?

No. Currently you can purchase SIM cards and handsets online or from Dick Smith retail stores. You can also find other products at The Warehouse and some supermarkets.

25.I want to port my number from my current provider to 2degrees. Shall I close my current account?

No. You should not close your current account, otherwise you will lose your number. You should purchase a SIM card, activate it and then request porting online. 2degrees will start the process and request your old account to be closed. You will receive a final bill from your current provider.

26. Does Twitter SMS updates work on the 2degrees network?

There isn't a Twitter or Facebook shortcode on the 2degrees network yet.

27.Is there any SMS shortcode that will reply confirming a number is on-net or off-net?

No.

28.When will 3G be launched on 2degrees?

There's no confirmed date yet.

Please post questions in this topic and the answers will be updated as needed. Do not use this topic for discussion about services, plans, handsets. This is for the FAQ only.

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#243432 6-Aug-2009 12:40

FYI: A couple of your questions (3 and 12) mention XT instead of 2D.

DarkShadow

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#243434 6-Aug-2009 12:44

How do I check if a number is on the 2degrees network?

wongtop

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#243443 6-Aug-2009 13:07

Are 2 degrees handsets locked to 2 degrees?

Niel

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#243448 6-Aug-2009 13:22

I refuse to pay for retrieving voice mail. I believe on VF if you do not setup voice mail then the caller also does not get charged for (not) leaving a message since the call is not diverted to voice mail (not 100% sure though).

How does it work on 2D, does the caller pay for the call if you do not have voice mail setup? What is the default message the caller hears if you do not have voice mail setup?

You can never have enough Volvos!

bjhoogs

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#243571 6-Aug-2009 17:06

Niel: I refuse to pay for retrieving voice mail. I believe on VF if you do not setup voice mail then the caller also does not get charged for (not) leaving a message since the call is not diverted to voice mail (not 100% sure though).

How does it work on 2D, does the caller pay for the call if you do not have voice mail setup? What is the default message the caller hears if you do not have voice mail setup?

It says 'you've got through to voicemail for (reads phone number) etc. It does charge the caller.

When will 2degrees have 3g?

Bee

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#243582 6-Aug-2009 17:28

wongtop: Are 2 degrees handsets locked to 2 degrees?

ah no? I bought a "2 Degrees" phone from DSE yesterday and it currently has my Vodafone sim working happily in it until I receive my 2d sim card in the mail.

Does have a 2 Degrees wallpaper on it but that was easily changed!

Doing your best is much more important than being the best.

n4

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#243702 6-Aug-2009 22:06

freitasm:

25.I want to port my number from my current provider to 2degrees. Shall I close my current account?

No. You should not close your current account, otherwise you will lose your number. You should purchase a SIM card, activate it and then request porting online. 2degrees will start the process and request your old account to be closed. You will receive a final bill from your current provider.

Actually I think the loosing service provider is under no obligation to close the account if you port out your number, and 2degrees (or any gaining SP) cannot close it on your behalf. It is MUCH safer to close the account yourself AFTER porting the number out.

Samsung Note20 Ultra, on 2degrees

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freitasm

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#243806 7-Aug-2009 08:58

n4:
freitasm:

25.I want to port my number from my current provider to 2degrees. Shall I close my current account?

No. You should not close your current account, otherwise you will lose your number. You should purchase a SIM card, activate it and then request porting online. 2degrees will start the process and request your old account to be closed. You will receive a final bill from your current provider.

Actually I think the loosing service provider is under no obligation to close the account if you port out your number, and 2degrees (or any gaining SP) cannot close it on your behalf. It is MUCH safer to close the account yourself AFTER porting the number out.

The losing provider has to comply with the request from the new provider.

Don't touch your account. You might if you want call your old provider to confirm it's closed - but AFTER you ported it out and it is active on the new network. If you close your account before it's ported out you will lose your number.

n4

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#244501 9-Aug-2009 18:30

freitasm:

The losing provider has to comply with the request from the new provider.

Don't touch your account. You might if you want call your old provider to confirm it's closed - but AFTER you ported it out and it is active on the new network. If you close your account before it's ported out you will lose your number.

The LSP has to give up the number, but does not have to close the account (although some do/will). Don't leave it to chance, close the account AFTER porting out. See:

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=65&topicid=39015

Samsung Note20 Ultra, on 2degrees

DjShadow

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#244539 9-Aug-2009 20:58

Question: When 2degrees switches on their 3g network, will it become possible to roam on Vodafone NZ's 2100mhz AND 900mhz 3g network when not in an area covered by 2degree's own towers?

ajw

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#244835 10-Aug-2009 16:42

bjhoogs:
Niel: I refuse to pay for retrieving voice mail. I believe on VF if you do not setup voice mail then the caller also does not get charged for (not) leaving a message since the call is not diverted to voice mail (not 100% sure though).

How does it work on 2D, does the caller pay for the call if you do not have voice mail setup? What is the default message the caller hears if you do not have voice mail setup?

It says 'you've got through to voicemail for (reads phone number) etc. It does charge the caller.

When will 2degrees have 3g?

A friend of mine asked for his voicemail to be disconnected when he activated his 022 SIM. He was told by customer services that this request had been actioned. As of last Saturday when anybody calls him they pay when his phone is switched off even though he doesn't want callers to pay.

A call to 2 degrees help desk last Saturday confirmed that they have a software glitch and voicemail cannot be switched off. Hope this fault is fixed soon as callers are paying for a voicemail connection he doesn't want.

ajw

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#244923 10-Aug-2009 19:25

ajw:
bjhoogs:
Niel: I refuse to pay for retrieving voice mail. I believe on VF if you do not setup voice mail then the caller also does not get charged for (not) leaving a message since the call is not diverted to voice mail (not 100% sure though).

How does it work on 2D, does the caller pay for the call if you do not have voice mail setup? What is the default message the caller hears if you do not have voice mail setup?

It says 'you've got through to voicemail for (reads phone number) etc. It does charge the caller.

When will 2degrees have 3g?

A friend of mine asked for his voicemail to be disconnected when he activated his 022 SIM. He was told by customer services that this request had been actioned. As of last Saturday when anybody calls him they pay when his phone is switched off even though he doesn't want callers to pay.

A call to 2 degrees help desk last Saturday confirmed that they have a software glitch and voicemail cannot be switched off. Hope this fault is fixed soon as callers are paying for a voicemail connection he doesn't want.

As quoted from the 2 degrees facebook site concerning voicemail.
http://www.facebook.com/2degreesmobile#/2degreesmobile?v=wall&viewas=0

Mikey Mo
- unable to turn of the voicemail (with vodafone you can do it straight away.....but I suppose they don't wan't to turn the voicemail off because they want to charge people under any circumstances.

2 hours ago · Report

Journeyman

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#245109 11-Aug-2009 10:12

20.Will I keep credits on my prepaid account if I port my number 2degrees?

No. You have to use your credits on your current mobile operator first.

Just thought I'd mention that this is different to what the 2degrees website is saying:"

Will I lose my credit if I change my phone number?
No, your new phone number will have the same credit as the previous one. Note, if you have done more than 2 number changes on the same account, we reserve the right to charge a fee for further changes. This fee will be deducted from your account balance.

Unless I've misunderstood, that is.

friedCrumpet

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#245149 11-Aug-2009 11:50

Journeyman:
20.Will I keep credits on my prepaid account if I port my number 2degrees?

No. You have to use your credits on your current mobile operator first.

Just thought I'd mention that this is different to what the 2degrees website is saying:"

Will I lose my credit if I change my phone number?
No, your new phone number will have the same credit as the previous one. Note, if you have done more than 2 number changes on the same account, we reserve the right to charge a fee for further changes. This fee will be deducted from your account balance.

Unless I've misunderstood, that is.

This means that your credit will not be lost on your 2degrees account when you change your number, however porting your number in from a another provider is a different situation. Your 2degrees credit might be unaffected on the SIM you are using, but your account credit on your vodafone/XT/whatever account/SIM will in all likelyhood be lost.

Journeyman

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#245235 11-Aug-2009 15:43

I see, thanks for clearing that up.

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