Using laptop outside broadband areas

Forums › 2degrees (including Slingshot, Orcon, Flip, Stuff Fibre, MyRepublic, 2talk and Vocus) › Using laptop outside broadband areas

silverbirch

275 posts

Ultimate Geek

#76552 3-Feb-2011 19:02

I'm confused and know I've asked about this before but can't find it.

I have a laptop and want to be able to use a data pack in the Wairarapa when I visit. I'm assuming I'll need a USB modem for this, but they seem to be usable only in the broadband areas. I might have misunderstood that though ....

Any advice greatly appreciated.

"Dance among the moonbeams, feel the magic in the air".

Registered Linux user #386597 http://counter.li.org/

1 | 2

4088 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#434995 3-Feb-2011 19:10

they should work anywhere but be aware you will be paying $6 for every 50mb

SaltyNZ

8235 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

2degrees

Lifetime subscriber

#434996 3-Feb-2011 19:10

Postpay plan data and the 50MB pack are usable outside the broadband areas. The 1GB+ packs are not.

iPad Pro 11" + iPhone 15 Pro Max + 2degrees 4tw!

These comments are my own and do not represent the opinions of 2degrees.

silverbirch

275 posts

Ultimate Geek

#434999 3-Feb-2011 19:22

But I need to purchase a USB modem as well? I only saw the ones for the broadband area ...

Thanks

"Dance among the moonbeams, feel the magic in the air".

Registered Linux user #386597 http://counter.li.org/

corksta

2397 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Subscriber

#435001 3-Feb-2011 19:22

Just to expand a little bit; the USB modem will work anywhere, it's the SIM inside that dictates how you're charged. So anywhere in the Wairarapa is not within one of the mobile broadband zones so it'll be $6 for each 50MB pack you want to use.

silverbirch

275 posts

Ultimate Geek

#435008 3-Feb-2011 19:32

Okay so I buy a USB modem for $69 plus a data pack?

Next question - and I might need to start a new thread I guess. I run Linux - do these modems run under Linux?
I assume yes, as it's external hardware.

thanks again.

"Dance among the moonbeams, feel the magic in the air".

Registered Linux user #386597 http://counter.li.org/

SaltyNZ

8235 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

2degrees

Lifetime subscriber

#435010 3-Feb-2011 19:39

The modem will work fine with Linux. Ubuntu will popup and offer to set it up for you.

The pack that comes with it cannot be used in that area though. You need to topup the SIM and text 'buy 50mb' to 233 to get a 50MB pack. Changes are coming soon that should make that more convenient.

iPad Pro 11" + iPhone 15 Pro Max + 2degrees 4tw!

These comments are my own and do not represent the opinions of 2degrees.

silverbirch

275 posts

Ultimate Geek

#435012 3-Feb-2011 19:42

I use Pclinuxos so guess that will do the same? Not a "Buntu" fan after trying a few of their varieties.

OK it seems changes are likely - I'll wait and watch. It's to use my laptop for my Mum to Skype when I visit, so not a rush.

Thanks very much all.

"Dance among the moonbeams, feel the magic in the air".

Registered Linux user #386597 http://counter.li.org/

Quic Broadband

Move to New Zealand's best fibre broadband service (affiliate link). Free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE. Note that to use Quic Broadband you must be comfortable with configuring your own router.

ideot

14 posts

Geek

#435155 4-Feb-2011 08:45

If you're using Skype you'll get through 50mb pretty fast. No disrespect to 2degrees, but if you're buying a 3G modem to use outside of their data zone for the purpose of skyping, then you may as well get a vodafone or telecom one, as they offer larger pre-pay data plans.

SaltyNZ

8235 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

2degrees

Lifetime subscriber

#435158 4-Feb-2011 08:48

ideot: No disrespect to 2degrees, but if you're buying a 3G modem to use outside of their data zone

None taken; we don't recommend it either. In fact, we only sell our USB modems at retailers inside our coverage area for that exact reason. As our management have indicated in a few interviews, we will be expanding that coverage this year too, so that will help. :-)

iPad Pro 11" + iPhone 15 Pro Max + 2degrees 4tw!

These comments are my own and do not represent the opinions of 2degrees.

ideot

14 posts

Geek

#435163 4-Feb-2011 08:56

SaltyNZ: As our management have indicated in a few interviews, we will be expanding that coverage this year too, so that will help. :-)

Sweet! I live in a rural area where mobile data is the only practical broadband option - and if I could get 1GB of data for $20, that would totally make my year.

SaltyNZ

8235 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

2degrees

Lifetime subscriber

#435165 4-Feb-2011 09:00

ideot:
Sweet! I live in a rural area

Hmmm, well, don't hold your breath. :-)

iPad Pro 11" + iPhone 15 Pro Max + 2degrees 4tw!

These comments are my own and do not represent the opinions of 2degrees.

ideot

14 posts

Geek

#435170 4-Feb-2011 09:06

That's alright, if I were holding my breath for a reasonable rural broadband service I would have died about 8 years ago ...and to be honest after 14 years of dial-up sometimes I wish I had.

I can use a Vodem alright, just don't like paying $30 for 512mb of data.

Oh well, maybe next decade.

SaltyNZ

8235 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

2degrees

Lifetime subscriber

#435176 4-Feb-2011 09:12

*Shrug* I know the feeling. We moved to Warkworth about 18 months ago, after spending 8 months or so in a rental while we had a house moved onto the block. The rental was about 15cm too far from the exchange to get DSL (infuriatingly, a cabinet was sitting on the corner at the end of the street the whole time we were there, it just wasn't lit up yet), and it took about 6 months to get the hard line to the new block because they had to drill under the road to do it.

Over a year without broadband for a hardcore gamer: I was in withdrawal, let me tell you, and that was despite the fact we have pretty free use of the tubes here at work, within reason.

So, to cut a long story short, I feel your pain. :-)

iPad Pro 11" + iPhone 15 Pro Max + 2degrees 4tw!

These comments are my own and do not represent the opinions of 2degrees.

silverbirch

275 posts

Ultimate Geek

#435399 4-Feb-2011 16:04

OK thanks for all the information - I'll check other prices.

"Dance among the moonbeams, feel the magic in the air".

Registered Linux user #386597 http://counter.li.org/

quickymart

13970 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#435433 4-Feb-2011 18:12

Salty: Any hints as to what areas will be first? :)

Are you guys planning to mirror Vodafone/Telecom's coverage (eventually), or for now are you just aiming for the larger towns?

1 | 2