I would like to know if anyone can confirm that mobile broadband and RBI broadband use the exact same infrastructure. What I mean is, can you take an RBI sim from your RBI router, put it in a usb mobile broadband stick (unlocked or with the same provider) and have it work? And would the signal be exactly the same?The reason I ask is because I am trying to help my Aikido instructor setup RBI broadband at his house. Officially Vodafone says that they are unable to deliver RBI to their address. However my instructors house is three stories high and if I walk out on the balcony on the top floor I am able to get an ok Vodafone signal using my Vodem stick. I did a speed test by downloading a large pdf file from the Vodafone website (I don't actually have any credit on this stick but the Vodafone site is free to access) and got about 150KB/s. Presumably with a proper RBI modem + antenna these speeds would be much improved.The problem is that my instructor is already with Farmside on a satellite connection (the latency is like 1000ms lowest and the data cap is ridiculously low for such a high price) and they have tried to get RBI through them already. At first the installer said that they could get it even though Farmside said they could not. It sounds like the installer just tested with his mobile phone, said my instructor could get RBI broadband (since there was a 3G signal) and has then come back later to perform the installation. It seems he has then been unable to get a signal using his proper RBI test equipment... This doesn't make much sense to me if mobile and RBI broadband use the same infrastructure but I have some theories.The reasons I can think of that the installer was unable to get a Farmside RBI connection are:Vodafone and Farmside are using different radio equipment and the Vodafone signal is simply better (I had thought they both used the same equipment as Farmside doesn't own any towers themselves as far as I'm aware).Farmside doesn't actually have any equipment in our local tower and it is actually impossible to get a Farmside RBI signal here (this seems very unlikely)RBI broadband itself actually uses different radio transmission equipment and the signal isn't as strong as the mobile broadband signal where my instructors house is.The installers equipment was simply broken or not setup properly...Some other factor I am unaware of.What do you guys think?
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Mobile and RBI broadband, same infrastructure?
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Wireless in wanganui district
can anyone recommend a wisp that services Okoia wanganui, farm side do, but not confident it will work well with skype, high latency and what not. As this would be for the inlaws, want something that will work well, so I don't get it in neck every time I see them.
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Wireless broadband - no fixed line avail
Evening gurus, some clarification required please regarding RBI type "wireless" broadband for a holiday home.The property in question is on the North side of Waiheke Is between, Oneroa and Onetangi. There is absolutely no fixed line option, the site is some 2km from the nearest possible connection, it's never going to happen!It's my understanding (from reading other posts - specifically from johnr) that RBI wireless broadband is 3G broadband - i.e. it uses the same towers and same technology.Using the Vodafone map showing the 2/2.5G, 3G and 3G extended coverage, the property is well served. However, according to the RBI coverage map, it is not and as far as I can tell, never will be.So what gives? Again, from reading other posts it appears that the difference relates specifically to the hardware and transmitters on the towers. And from what I can ascertain, said hardware etc, enhances the up/down speed thus enabling the gov't to meet its objectives for rural NZ covered by the UFB comittment?The reason for this question is that, I called Vodafone last week to ask about 3G wireless at the site and was told that, despite having the coverage as per 3G etc, I would not be able to make use of wireless broadband because, the property was not covered by RBI. Assuming I can utilise 3G wireless, can someone tell me what is the max length the lead in cable (from the external aerial) to the 3G modem can be?Finally and again, assuming I can make use of the service, what sort of up/down speed might I expect - and how much slower than the RBI speed are we talking?Apologies for asking such inane questions, your assistance is greatly valued.Cheers
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Anyone here used amuri.net wireless internet
Has anyone here had anything to do with http://www.amuri.net/ for wireless broadband?We are looking at using them when we move to Eyrewell, North Canterbury. (we are heavy internet users with home business and use 80Gb+ per month)
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T-stick turbo (ZTE MF 669) with 3G router (Nb16wv)
Hi All,I live in a rural area which isn't able to get adsl or vdsl despite a fibre optic line running on the other side of the road to me (Thanks Chorus!) As a temporary solution until RBI rolls out in my area i've recently purchased a T-stick which to my suprise worked very well although reception was less than average! to fix the poor reception I purchased a Yagi antenna which has just turned up today to help further boost my signal. My goal is to be able to share the internet connection via a wireless router to multiple devices, laptop, iphones ect... Now heres my problem or what I think is the problem.When I try to connect the T-stick to my NB16WV router I get an error saying "modem not ready", I believe the cause of the problem is the fact that telecom embed their "3G dashboard" software onto the T-stick which auto runs and causes conflict with the router settings..I was thiking a solution may be to try and unlock the T-stick so it will work with any SIM card, has anyone tried this and had success or can anyone offer any advice on a USB data stick which has an external antenna port (TS-9 connection) which will work with telecom. The firmware on both devices appears to be up to date.Thanks In advance!Cheers,Lee
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Which NZ cellular providers have implemented/ will be the first to implement HotSpot 2.0 ?
If you don't know what that is, some basic info is here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotspot_(Wi-Fi)#Hotspot_2.0
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Best way to manage family mobile phones
I was wondering if there is any way to manage multiple mobile phones. You've probably guessed I'm a bit of a skinflint.At the moment I have a company phone on a Telecom contract. Phone and txt are not a problem and I don't use that much data. Wife is on VF prepay - doesn't send many texts or make that many calls but it is increasing spend about $20 every 6 weeks. Eldest daughter is on telecom smart prepay - she has txt 5000 for $12 per month. But uses around 500-1000Next daughter is getting a phone soon so what options do I have? Are there any prepay options that are better for the three or even are there any accounts that share txt and minutes?
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SMS differences between 2degrees and vodafone
Hi,This question is regarding SMS on both the 2degrees and Vodafone networks, and hence, I thought of posting it on a common forum.Suppose an SMS is sent from Australia. Receiving the message on a 2degrees phone shows the sender's correct number, whereas, receiving the message on a Vodafone phone will display the sender's number as 8323.Could someone please enlighten me on this discrepancy. ThanksAshish
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www.cel-fi.co.nz first legal booster? How well does it work?
cel-fi advertises the first legal mobile signal booster for 2-degrees.how good is it? Has anyone used it for Vodafone or Telecom?
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Cel-Fi cell repeaters
Came across these things which sound useful for those of us in areas of patchy reception, has anyone had any experience with them? http://cel-fi.co.nz - Local agents are http://www.powertec.co.nz/store/mobile-repeaters.htmlThe ones "for 2Degrees" are listed as $894, which as it turns out is exclusive of GST although there's no mention of that on the website which is a bit dubious. The same unit in the USA is US$575 (About NZ$800 Incl taxes+fees). Not exactly a small difference assuming there's no actual difference other than the power supply.It appears they're not certified for Telecom/VF yet which doesn't instill confidence. (No TelePermit, certifications are all either international or US-centric)
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Airspan type 42 ST
Just wondering if anyone has had any experence configuring these??Information seems a little sparse... Any help is appreciated.RegardsAlan
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Comparing the different mobile plans
Not sure if this is the right forum, but anyway:I've been looking at all the new on-account plans for a standard business mobile plan, and this is what I've found. Telecom seems to have really pushed the boat out:2degrees:Carryover $39 + 220 mins oz/nz + unlimited text + 750mb data. $0.49/min, $0.50/mb, 20c/voicemail as overage rates. Vodafone:Business BYO $40.25 + 350mins nz + unlimited text + 500mb data. $0.79/min, $0.20/mb, voicemail is charged I think.Telecom:Ultra $39 + 300mins nz + unlimited text + 1gb + 1gb wifi. $0.69/min, $0.20/mb, 20c/voicemail. Feels like Telecom has the edge today. Appreciate this is just comparing basic plans and does not include the phone subsidy options, but I was just looking for the simplest I could get.Have I missed something?
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Poor mobile coverage, Nikau Velley?
We're househunting at the minute and driving around Nikau Valley im lucky to get any signal at all with Telecom XT.Anyone live there any idea if Voda is any better or is it just something you put up with being in a low population area in the valley?Was thinking one of those mini tower things might be useful but the broadband is pretty ropey in the area too.Appreciate any feedback!Cheers,Sam
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RBI, mobile broadband delimma
OK, bear with me here, I'm no wizz at mobile comms. I'm pretty pc savvy but mobile stuff is not my strong point;I live in a part of NZ which I believe is not covered by the RBI. I'm confused as to what the RBI actually does for mobile broadband other than upgrade cell towers.I am in the Marlborough Sounds (South Island) and can get a cell signals to the coast of Wellington (North Island). But I can't get any sense out of the telcos as to weather or not I can get mobile broadband as my address apparently does not exist (boat access only property, no postal address, so their address finders do not work) and therefore apparently the place also does not exist. Logical apparently?So where I'm at now? I have a yagi antenna set up but need a smartphone or mobile modem to connect to it. I have done this with a telecom modem and it works, but is not great. I'd like to try with vodafone but it seems devices with external antenna ports are few and far between.Can anyone suggest the next step to test/trial a vodafone connection? Phone/modem model suggestion? Or is there a device I can use to test the Vodafone signal with the yagi? Can I use the Huawai modem I use to connect with telecom but with different settings to try to connect with vodafone or is the hardware just not compatible?Also, how would the RBI affect this? At present it seems there is a 4gb cap on mobile broadband, but under the RBI the caps seem higher, is this correct or am I interpreting this incorrectly?Any help would be much appreciated :-)
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Question re best data plan for light user
Hey - seeking some advice re best options for data for a tablet. I'm currently on just a $19 pre-paid monthly pack from 2 Degrees; I'm planning on shifting to the $29 carry-over plan, given the 500MB is more than enough for my mobile so I should just about cope with this spread over a mobile and tablet using 2 Degrees data-sharing. (The ability to carry over data is a key advantage to these 2 Degrees plans).That said, assuming that a total of 500MB between devices is adequate, are there any other good-value options from any of the NZ providers that I should be considering? I've loooked at their websites and can't find anything that stands out, but thought I should check. Eg, 500MB for $15 (Telecom) or $20 (Vodafone) isn't really worth it, given it's an additional $10 for moving to the 2 Degrees carry-over plan which will enable me to share the data. I can't see any data-only plans from Skinny. My new phone's a 4G model, as will the tablet we purchase, but at this point in time having 4G data speeds isn't a must-have.Any advice much appreciated!
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Vodem USB Stick
Hi All, Can some one please recommend a good reliable vodem usb stick for the following purposes (ideally prepaid): -Surf local (NZ) and International traffic -Possibly use it for Skyping -Day-to-day usage I'd a look at 2Degrees/VF/Telecom. Not sure what is the best option. Many thanks in advance for your help.
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Best PAYG (pay up front?) plan for 2 months touring NZ?
We will be in NZ December and January.In 2010/2011 we used a Vodafone NZ 3G mobile broadband dongle with a NetBook, and used the same SIM in our 2G Sony phone.This worked well, and we could get phone and data more or less all over both N. and S. Island.This time we are bringing a Samsung Galaxy S3 (3G) for voice/texts and to use as a data source tethered to our Sony Xperia Z tablet (which doesn't have data capability/SIM card slot).Our options seem to be a 3G mobile voice/data plan plus use of WiFi hot spots where they are available.So any recommendations over the best plan for 2 month roaming?I read that Telecom NZ include WiFi in their plan, but I have no idea how widespread the WiFi hot spots are.TIALGCP.S. I also see some mentions of using 3G dongles with Android tablets, but this also mentions rooting the tablet which I don't want to do. So anyone managed to use a 3G Vodafone dongle with a Sony Xperia X tablet?
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woosh wireless in central Auckland
Got a friend staying in a student block on wakefield st, the internet there is appalling. Its fed to every room from a central gateway by the looks of things. Connection is via RJ45 ports in wall or wifi, (if the wifi signal is even present, it wasn't when I checked) One port did not even register a link to the switch, the other port on opposite side of wall in adjacent bedroom managed to register a link and get DHCP but was extremely slow to load any webpages, sometimes not at all. Is woosh wireless a viable option here? Skype will be the main data consumer. I had a look for decent hotspots in the area with realistic pricing and there's none, they all want > $50 for a measly 5 or 10gig.
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mobile network outage in cambridge?
Hey all. I live in cambridge and have just noticed that my mobile network is dead. No 2degrees or vodafone. My brother can get 1 bar on telecom probably from the tower past kaipaki. Also one person I spoke to here cant get broadband. Anyone else in cambridge having the same problem or know whats happening? Cheers
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Phone blacklisting now in all three operators (2degrees, Telecom NZ, Vodafone NZ)
Just received:The New Zealand Telecommunications Forum (TCF) has today launched a blacklisting system for lost or stolen mobile devices which Police say will help prevent crime by making mobiles less attractive to thieves.Vodafone, Telecom and 2degrees have worked together over the past year to develop the blacklisting system, which gives each operator the ability to block the IMEI number (unique identification code) of a mobile device that has been reported as stolen across all three networks, usually within 24 hours.The system is based on international best practice, and uses a central database hosted by the GSMA - the international body representing the mobile industry. If blacklisted, a mobile device will be useless on all three major mobile networks, even if the thief (or whoever receives the goods from the thief) changes the SIM or switches provider.Chief Executive of the TCF David Stone said that the initiative was a great example of cross-industry collaboration and would bring real benefits for customers, and for the community as a whole.'Mobile phones have become more and more important to us over the past few years. For many people, their mobile is not just a phone - it is also their camera, watch, diary, encyclopaedia, map and social organiser. This makes smartphones very desirable items, but unfortunately it also makes them a prime target for thieves. The blacklisting system aims to address this problem,' said Mr Stone.Superintendent Steve Christian, National Manager Mobility for New Zealand Police welcomed the blacklisting system.'This is a great leap forward because there has, until now, been a significant gap in this area. We are pleased the telcos are now joining together to render stolen devices as being of no value on the streets."Mr Stone said that anyone who wishes to have their lost or stolen phone blacklisted should contact their mobile provider, and he emphasised that they should also report the theft to the police.He warned that people should be careful about purchasing mobile phones or other mobile devices from sources other than registered dealers.'If you purchase a stolen mobile phone or other device - even if you think you are buying it legitimately - you may not have any recourse if that device is subsequently blocked, and so you could end up losing money. We urge people to purchase mobiles only from registered dealers or from sources they know they can trust.'
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