Compare 3G Mobile Broadband Providers
Current Deals Available in New Zealand:
Mobile Broadband work off mobile phone networks instead of being tied down to a homeline. The 3G Network covers 97% of the population for Telecom & Vodafone but is currently limited for 2 Degrees. At present in New Zealand, mobile Broadband is very expensive. Fixed line broadband is much better value & much faster.
When should I consider Mobile Broadband?
If you are moving around alot & need a broadband connection. Termination rates for fixed line broabband make it uneconomic if you move around alot.
If you have a smartphone as these use alot of data which is very expensive on the casual rate, be warned!
If you live in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or Queenstown, 2 Degrees is by far the best value.
Otherwise there is little to choose on between Vodafone & Telecom.
Compare Prepaid Mobile Broadband Deals
| | Price | Validity | Coverage |
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| 2 Degrees | | | LIMITED to AKL, WEL, CHCH, QTN Coverage Map |
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| 1Gb | $20 | 1 month | |
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| 3Gb | $50 | 2 months | |
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| 12Gb | $150 | 6 months | |
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| Vodafone | | | 97% of where Kiwis live Coverage Map |
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| Casual rate | $1 for your first 10MB, and $1 for each MB thereafter. | | |
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| 100Mb | $10 | 1 month | |
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| 512Mb | $30 | 1 month | If use broadband without pay for data on all plans it costs $1 for first 10Mb & $1/Mb after that! |
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| 2Gb | $50 | 1 month | |
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| Telecom | | | "97% of the places kiwis live" Coverage Map |
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| Casual rate | $1 a day for up to 10MB and then $1 for each additional megabyte | | |
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| 500Mb | $25 | 1 month | If you use more than the included data then you'll automatically revert to the casual data rate of $1 a day for your first 10MB, then $1 per MB thereafter on the days you use more than 10MB. |
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| 2Gb | $50 | 1 month | as above |
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Always check with the operator what the reception will be like where you want to use it as sometimes reception can be variable even when it says you are in a 3G zone.
It maybe worth seeing if you can test the equipment before signing on to a long contract in case the coverage is poor in your area. Otherwise if you can't then use a prepaid stick before to try it out As then at least you won't be signed up to a 12 months contract with an awful service.
If you don't want a landline but need broadband Naked Broadband (a Fixed Broadband without needing a landline at home) is again much better value. You can compare Naked Broadband Deals here
Mobile Broadband tends to be much quicker & have better reception in the main centres in New Zealand. Speed outside 3G areas is extremely slow!
Do not use mobile broadband when roaming abroad unless you want a very big bill when you return home.
Far better to get a prepay USB stick from the mobile operator in the country you are visiting if you can. You have been warned!
Current Offers:
Vodafone's 3G Broadband (HSDPA) (2100Mhz frequency) network currently covers areas in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Whangarei, Whangamata, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo, New Plymouth, Wanganui, Napier, Palmerston North, Nelson and Queenstown.
They also use 3G extended network that now covers 97% of where Kiwis live (this uses 900Mhz frequency)
Check out Vodafone's Latest National Coverage Map
You have a choice between
1. Prepay
No contract
$79 for the USB Vodem mobile broadband stick for your computer with 2Gb Bonus Data.
Data prices listed above
2. On Account (pay monthly)
If you want to use mobile broadband every month on a contract.
Plans:
Add $10 per month if you want a No Term contract to the prices below.
12 & 24 month terms
| | Contract | Data allowance | Extra | Offer |
|---|
| $30 | 12 & 24 mths | 512Mb | Your session will be paused once you've reached your limit and you’ll be given the option to buy the Upsize 1 GB Add-On for $20 or browse at the casual rate of $0.11 per MB. | |
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| $49.95 | 12 & 24 mths | 2Gb | As above | |
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Telecom 3G Mobile Broadband:
It covers 97% of the places where New Zealanders live. This includes all major centres: Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington & Dunedin and some smaller centres including Whangerai, Tauranga & Rotorua, Taupo, Taranaki, Napier & Hastings, Manawatu & Nelson.
Check out Telecom's latest national XT coverage maps
Needs a T-Stick to work which you can plug into your laptop or computer.
You again have the choice between
1. Prepay Plan
No contract
See Data rates above
2. Pay Monthly Mobile Broadband Plans
Prices below are for no contract or contract terms.
But if you sign up to a 24 mth plan you get $300 towards the T-stick of your choice.
| Standard Price/mth | Price if on Telecom Broadband | Data allowance | Extra | Offer |
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| $30 | - | 750Mb | $30 for extra 750Mb then 10c/Mb | |
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| $60 | $50 (on 24 month plans only) | 2Gb | $60 for extra 2Gb then 10c/Mb | |
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| $80 | $70 (on 24 month plans only) | 4Gb | $80 for extra 4Gb then 10c/Mb | |
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Telecom International Roaming Coverage costs & locations
2Degrees Mobile Broadband Prepaid
2 Degrees has the best mobile broadband deals on the market if you live in the main centres! Find their deals at the top of the page.
You can use it in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch & Queenstown currently on their 3G Network.
But if you're planning on travelling nationally you need to buy a separate National Data Pack which are alot more expensive ($6 for 50Mb or $10 for 100Mb expiry 1 month).
Current sign up deals:
Currently offering 3Gb of Data & mobile USB data stick for $69!
Check it out here for more information