2degrees 3G is here!
2degrees have been working on their 3G service for a while now, and whilst some of you may have been using it in areas where they are testing it has yet to go live for the whole country.
Well today all that changes. They have released new handsets, new pricing and the 3G network has been rolled out nationwide. Hit the read more for more details and the full press release.
National 3G Service – is switched on for 97% for where New Zealanders Live work and Play
New 3G Handsets – starting from $199
3G Mobile Internet – $6 for 50MB data, packs expire after 30 days and buy as many as you need.
3G Mobile Broadband – “Pay Less, Get More, Lasts Longer”
$20 – 500MB valid for 30 days, available in mobile broadband zones Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown
$50 – 2GB valid for 60 days, available in mobile broadband zones Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown
$150 – 10GB valid for 90 days (works out to be $15 per GB), available in mobile broadband zones Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown
Until 31st October those that sign up to the 512MB plan will get boosted up to 1GB and if you go for the 2GB you’ll get 3GB.
3G Mobile Internet works in any 3G area, regardless of whether you are on-net using 2degrees or off-net using Vodafone roaming.
Both types of service are available to be added to your iPhone/iPad SIM card plan.
Speeds within Mobile Broadband Zones.
The Mobile Broadband Zones are capable of speeds up to 7.2Mbps, with average speeds of 800-1400kbps.
Travelling out of a Zone?
If you travel outside of the Mobile Broadband Zones, then you can use a National Data Pack or pay the standard rates. To enable usage at the standard rates simply text Unlock to 233.
Zones:
2degrees mobile broadband zones (click to enlarge)
More detailed info on the zones can be found in the 2degrees Broadband Zones pdf
Modem and Plan details:
Show Press Release
August 3, 2010
2degrees launches 3G services and data plans
2degrees celebrated its first birthday today by launching its national 3G services and a range of data plans to meet New Zealanders growing demand for more affordable mobile broadband.
Chief Executive Eric Hertz reviewed the company’s progress, outlining its plans to extend its game-changing approach to voice and text into the mobile broadband market.
“On day one we halved standard prepay rates for calling and texting, and recently we launched a range of plans that make it even more affordable to call and text anyone in NZ. Now we’re changing the game again – this time giving mobile broadband the 2degrees treatment.”
Customers can connect to the internet using 2degrees mobile broadband via a handset or USB modem. Data is available in 50MB, 512MB, 2GB or 10GB packs and validity periods range from 30 to 90 days, depending on the pack purchased.
Mr Hertz said 2degrees was the first telecommunications company to provide bundles allowing New Zealanders to keep unused data beyond 30 days.
“2degrees is all about leading value and doing things differently for our customers. Today we are offering New Zealanders in our broadband zones more data, for less, with more time to use it, all without having to sign up to a long term contract,” he said.
“Our national 50MB Data Pack, for just $6, allows customers to get connected quickly and cost effectively wherever they are in the country, while our other Data Packs and USB modems provide great value for heavy data users within our Mobile Broadband Zones.”
“We want to provide consumers with as much choice as possible. Thanks to number portability and 2degrees microSIMs, New Zealanders can move to 2degrees for voice, text and data-intensive devices,” says Eric.
About the 2degrees 3G network
It is expected customers will receive average speeds of 800kbps to 1400kbps on the 2degrees 3G network. 2degrees technology partner is Huawei, a world-leading global telecommunications solutions provider.
The 2degrees 3G network is a separate network to its existing 2G network. The separation of the 2G/EDGE network from the 3G network means full redundancy in the event of any unexpected service issues. 2degrees customers with 3G-capable handsets can make use of the new network right away by making sure their handsets are set to dual-mode, though most 3G handsets should detect the change automatically.
2degrees’ larger data packs, 2GB and above, can be used in 2degrees Mobile Broadband Zones covering most of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.
Customers can visit www.2degreesmobile.co.nz/broadband to see if they are in zone.
ENDS
So what do you think? Are you making the switch?
@ JimmyJ:
Means you get the deal till October
After that is 500MB
(Richard has made 50 comments)
I was told that 2D mirco sim does not work on Ipad. Anyone tried?
(Little Tiger has made 11 comments)
Little Tiger wrote:
When i talked to 2Degrees customer service about getting mine for iPhone 4 he asked if i had ordered my iPad or iPhone 4, implying that they would work on both devices.
(Joe Bunting has made 69 comments)
I have cancelled my vodafone contact number, and switched to 2 degrees now, still waiting for my new iphone 4, a iphone4 with a 2 degrees data plan = pretty good combo
(AkaranaX has made 2 comments)
I got my 2 degrees micro sim today from Dick Smith (for my iPad). Their computer system stated "Not for iPad" but I told them it would be sweet. Have yet to try it as I have a Vodafone microsim in it at the moment. Also switched my phone from Vodafone to 2 Degrees today after decades with Vodafone. It was however a pretty painless experience!
(MartyMan has made 23 comments)
Ironically, despite the iPhone launch (if you could even call it that), Vodafone seems to be hemorrhaging customers. I'm glad there's some actual competition.
(suburban_ennui has made 74 comments)
Yes the 2degrees micro sims work on the iPad 3G. I am currently writing this comment on the 2 degrees 3G network..it works brilliantly…bought the sim from dick smith this morning and few customer servicecs from 2degrees have got different opinions on their sim cards..you just have to ask them if your sim number has been activated online and if they can see your sim number on their system..I have to go thru 3 different 2 degrees staff member to be able to help me with the micro sim issue on the iPad…hope this will help for all those who want to find a better option than vodafone iPad plans…
(Pouman has made 1 comment)