2degrees Broadband Review

​We review 2degrees broadband's four plans and outline the pros and cons of each, benefits and how to get the best price

Updated 16 July 2021
Summary:
  • 2degrees in a Nutshell: ​2degrees is the fifth-largest broadband provider in New Zealand with an estimated market share of 5% of the broadband and fibre market. 
  • Coverage: New Zealand-wide broadband and mobile data service, including a special plan using 4G mobile technology for remote rural areas.
  • Plans and Pricing: 2degrees offers four plans:
  1. 300GB Plan (from $65/month)
  2. Unlimited Plan (from $75/month)
  3. Ultimate Unlimited Plan (from $90/month).
  4. In addition, 2degrees also offers a dedicated Rural Broadband Plan (from $85/month).

How to get the best price on 2degrees broadband plan:
  1. New Customers: Plans with 2degrees are cheapest when you sign up for 12-months, have an existing 2degrees monthly phone plan and don't plan to change providers for at least 12 months (therefore avoiding the early exit fee).
  2. Renewing: If you're happy with 2degrees and would like to continue, the best approach is to compare the pricing when your contract comes up for renewal. If 2degrees is offering a better deal than the renew rate, contact their support team and ask for them to apply it to your account.

Our review: 
In this guide, we detail the pros and cons of the four plans, compare the plans side-by-side, and outline how to choose the right 2degrees broadband plan for you. We cover:

Christopher Walsh, Founder of MoneyHub, shares his views on comparing broadband providers:

  • Broadband plans have never been cheaper or faster, thanks to a nationwide fibre rollout, more competition and better technology.
  • That being said, we believe what matters is reliability, speed, price and support.
  • Our best broadband providers guide and this review help you make an informed choice. Our research team is committed to keeping everything up to date so you can easily find the best deal. 
  • We don't publish complicated tables or tools for comparing broadband. Instead, we focus on making you aware of the best deals where the pricing is fixed for at least 12 months.
  • If you have something we need to know about, please contact our research team - we would love to hear from you.
  • Unlike other broadband comparison websites, we have no relationship with any broadband company, and we're proud that our guides are 100% independent.

2degrees Broadband Set Up and Installation Charges

Know this first: When comparing broadband providers, service setup charges are an essential part of the deal. In the case of 2degrees, the installation cost will depend on the type of contract you choose – the two choices are open term or 12-month fixed term. The differences in cost are significant:
  1. Open Term: $99 standard connection fee plus a modem charge of up to $299 and a $15 delivery charge (if taking a 2degrees-leased modem)
  2. Fixed Term (12 months): Free standard connection plus $15 modem delivery charge if taking a 2degrees-leased modem. 2degrees offers free modem rental if you’re taking a 2degrees-leased modem.

Important:
  • 2degrees offers a $10/month discount if you choose a Pay Monthly plan. The open term plans also exclude  complimentary Amazon Prime Video and Prime Gaming subscription, and the upfront costs are higher.

2degrees Broadband Customer Service and Outage Support

  • 2degrees' ​Customer Care Hours are 8am - 10pm, 7 days. There's a freephone number, and all support team members are based in Auckland and Christchurch. 
  • If there is a broadband outage, 2degrees keeps you connected with extra data added to your 2degrees mobile phone.

How Fast is a 2degrees Broadband Connection?

The speed of your internet connection will be determined by the type of line available in your area. Depending on your location, 2degrees may have ADSL, VDSL, or Fibre lines available. Below is reference of what to expect from each line:
  • 2degrees’ ADSL Speed: Up to 10Mbps download speed / 1Mbps upload speed
  • 2degrees’ VDSL Speed: Up to 50Mbps download speed / 10Mbps upload speed
  • 2degrees’ Fibre Speed: Up to 100Mbps download speed / 20Mbps upload speed
  • 2degrees’ Fibre Speed (Ultimate Unlimited Plan): Up to 900Mbps download speed / 400Mbps upload speed

2degrees’ Rural Broadband Speed:
  • The speed can vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the distance to the cellular tower, weather, obstacles (buildings, trees, etc.), and other things.
  • 2degrees advises that the theoretical max data rate of a 4G band is 100Mbps. 2degrees announced in mid-2020 that it plans to build a 5G network but no coverage areas have been confirmed.

Comparing 2degrees Plans - 300GB vs Unlimited vs Ultimate Unlimited vs Rural Broadband Plan

2degrees offers three fixed-line broadband plans, the 300GB Plan, the Unlimited Plan, and the Ultimate Unlimited Plan. In addition to these plans, 2degrees also offers one 4G-based Rural Broadband Plan aimed at residential users living in remote areas of New Zealand. We outline the offering of each plan, as well as the pros and cons. 

Important: The pricing below assumes a 12-month fixed term sign-up plan. For open term Unlimited plans, add $14/month. For open term Ultimate Unlimited plans, add $16/month.

​2degrees 300GB Broadband Plan Review

Summary: The 2degrees 300GB plan is aimed at consumers with basic internet access needs looking for a fast and cheap broadband service.
  • Pricing: $65/month – up to 100Mbps download speed / 20Mbps upload speed
  • Discount: If you are a 2degrees phone customer with a Pay Monthly Plan, you’ll pay $55/month. This promotion does not apply to prepay mobile customers.
  • Bonus: If you join on a 12-month term, you will receive $100 joining credit.
  • ​Learn more: Visit 2degrees' website

The Pros:​
  1. The 300GB plan offers 2degrees' lowest monthly rates
  2. $10 off your broadband bill per month (up to $120 a year) if you have 2degrees Pay Monthly Phone Plan
  3. Free installation and a free modem rental when choosing a 12-month fixed-term contract
  4. You receive $100 joining credit to go towards your broadband bill.

The Cons:
  1. This plan does not include free Amazon Prime video, unlike two of the other plans (see below) 
  2. You will have to pay back the $100 joining credit if you end your contract early

2degrees Unlimited Broadband Plan Review

Summary: 2degrees’ Unlimited Plan is ideal for New Zealanders looking for a no-limit, benefits-packed plan at a reasonable price.
  • Pricing: $75/month – up to 100Mbps download speed / 20Mbps upload speed
  • Discount: If you are a 2degrees phone customer with a Pay Monthly Plan, you’ll pay $65/month
  • Bonus: The Unlimited Plan includes additional perks like free Amazon Prime Video for one year when you sign up for 12 months
  • ​Learn more: Visit 2degrees' website

The Pros:
  1. As its name implies, this plan offers unlimited data usage
  2. Free installation, free modem rental, and free Amazon Prime Video when choosing a 12-month fixed-term contract

Cons:
  1. To take full advantage of the plan’s discounts, you must sign a 12-month fixed-term contract and be a Pay Monthly phone customer
  2. If you cancel the 12-month contract, you will have to pay an early termination fee of up to $199

​2degrees Ultimate Unlimited Review

Summary: The Ultimate Unlimited Plan is a solid choice for Kiwis who depend on fast internet speeds, such as gamers, content creators, and IT professionals.
  • Pricing: $90/month – up to 900Mbps download speed / 400Mbps upload speed
  • Discount: If you are a 2degrees phone customer with a Pay Monthly Plan, you’ll pay $80/month
  • Bonus: The Unlimited Plan includes additional perks like free Amazon Prime Video for one year when you sign up for 12 months
  • Learn more: Visit 2degrees' website

The Pros:
  1. Speed; The Ultimate Unlimited plan is almost ten times faster than the 2degrees Unlimited Plan
  2. Free installation, free modem rental, and free Amazon Prime Video when choosing a 12-month fixed-term contract

The Cons:
  1. Similar to the 2degrees Unlimited Plan, to fully benefit from the discounts and other perks, you must sign a 1-year fixed-term contract with 2degrees and also be on the Pay Monthly Plan
  2. The service is only available in areas with fibre
  3. If you cancel the 12-month contract, you will have to pay an early termination fee of $199

​2degrees Rural Broadband Plan Review

Summary: 2degrees Rural Broadband Plan is designed for people who live in remote areas of New Zealand and require reliable internet service.
  • Pricing: $85/month – up to 100Mbps download speed / 1Mbps upload speed
  • Discount: $75/month if you are a 2degrees customer with a Pay Monthly plan.
  • Bonus: Free modem rental and simple self-installation. 2degrees is also currently offering a free 2 month trial on this plan.
  • Limits: 170GB data transfer cap per month. $15 per additional 20GB block of data.
  • Learn more: Visit 2degrees' website

The Pros:​
  1. Provides a reliable 4G broadband connection for checking emails, browsing news, and light internet usage
  2. The 2degrees 4G modem is easy to install; just insert the SIM card, plug in the modem, and you're done.
  3. You can trial this plan for free for 2 months using the 2degrees 4G modem.

The Cons:
  1. 170GB per month data transfer cap
  2. Connection speed may vary significantly from one area to another
  3. Not available in all areas
  4. After the first 2 month free period, you will have to pay a $199 exit fee if you cancel the contract before the remaining 10 months pass
  5. You will be charged a $299 modem fee if you don't return the modem in new condition during the 2 month free trial period

Which 2degrees Broadband Plan is the Best?

Our view is that, for most homes, the 'middle tier' 2degrees Unlimited Broadband Plan offers the best value for money. Even if you don't have an existing 2degrees phone plan, the monthly price is reasonable for the unlimited broadband, fast speeds and Amazon Prime Video perks. 

​If you live in a rural area, the 2degrees Rural Broadband Plan Review offers a generous 170 GB per month, and up to 100Mbps download speed.

Choosing the Right 2degrees Plan - 300GB vs Unlimited vs Ultimate Unlimited vs Rural Broadband Plan

To determine which plan best suits your needs, consider the following specifications and features:

1. Connection Speed: In general terms:
  • The 300GB Plan is suitable for couples without children or individuals who only require a basic connection to check their emails, read the news, and occasionally watch YouTube videos.
  • The Unlimited Plan is more suitable for families of 3 or more members that require additional bandwidth to enjoy streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ etc. 
  • The Ultimate Unlimited Plan is a plan designed for professionals who require a reliable and fast connection for online gaming, work videos, website development, content creation or any other type of work that needs the best possible speed.
  • 2degrees' Rural Broadband Plan is aimed at New Zealanders who need internet access but do not have fixed lines available in their area. In that sense, the connection speed is not as important as the reliably of the service, something that 2degrees achieves thanks to its 4G coverage.
.
2. Flexibility:
  • All 2degrees plans have two options - open term or fixed 12-month terms. Although in theory, this offers some flexibility, the truth is that the benefits of the fixed-term arrangement are unrivalled.

3. ​Set-Up Charges:
  • The price structure used by 2degrees reinforces the difference between a fixed term and an open term.
  • If you decide to opt for an open term, you will have to pay much more. For example, the open term Ultimate Unlimited plan will cost you an additional $413 in set up costs (combining the standard connection fee, the modem charge, and the delivery charge).
  • In contrast, if you decide to sign up for a one year contract, you only pay the $15 modem delivery charge. 
  • If you sign up for the fixed contract and terminate the contract before the agreed 12 month period, you would still pay less in exit fees than what it would cost to set up the open term plan: 2degrees' early termination fee will not be more than $199.
  • Our view is simple - opting for the open term contract only makes sense if you are willing to use your own modem and don’t plan to be a customer within 12 months. If that’s applicable, you will only pay $99 in set up cost(the connection fee).

4. Monthly Costs: If you are willing to sign up for a 12-month fixed 2degrees Pay Monthly Plan, the savings on broadband can be significant – up to $120/year for both the Unlimited and Ultimate Unlimited plan. 

​5. Additional perks: When deciding between plans, extra benefits are often a big factor. Both the Unlimited Plan and the Ultimate Unlimited Plan offer a free year of Amazon Prime Video. 

2degrees Broadband Frequently Asked Questions

To help you decide if 2degrees is right for your home, we've included several frequently asked questions to help you know more about the service.​

​Is 2degrees available at my address?

Most likely - you'll need to type in your address to see if you're covered. You can do that here under Check Availability.

​Does 2degrees offer a free modem?

Yes, 2degrees offer the option of free modem rental with all its fixed term plans, either the Fritzbox 7490 (Fibre customers with Ultimate Unlimited Plan) or the Fritzbox 7560 (ADSL, VDSL, Fibre). If you prefer, you could also set up your own modem using these settings.

Does 2degrees offer additional perks?

Yes, 2degrees offers $10 off your bill if you are an existing 2degrees mobile phone customer with the Pay Monthly Plan, and Amazon Prime Video free for one year if you subscribe to the 12-month fixed-term contract on the Unlimited or Ultimate Unlimited plans.

Does 2degrees offer an open term contract?

Yes, 2degrees offer an open-term contract, but to access it you will have to pay several additional fees. Our view is that this may be impractical for most customers. 

Does 2degrees offer discounts for broadband plans?

Yes - SuperGold customers are eligible for a $5 per month discount on Home Broadband or Rural Broadband plans.

Who owns 2degrees?

2degrees is majority-owned by the US-based wireless communications company Trilogy International Partners.

Does 2dgerees offer a home phone add-on with its broadband plans?

Yes – for $15/month, 2degrees broadband customers can sign up for the 2degrees Home Phone Plus. This includes unlimited calls to New Zealand and Australian landlines, free local calls, Caller ID, Call Waiting and voicemail services.
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