2degrees Broadband Review
We review 2degrees broadband plans and outline the pros and cons of each, benefits and how to get the best price
Updated 2 October 2023
Summary:
How to get the best price on 2degrees broadband plan:
Our review:
In this guide, we detail the pros and cons of their plans, compare them side-by-side and outline how to choose the right 2degrees broadband plan for you. We cover:
- 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.
How to get the best price on 2degrees broadband plan:
- 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 early exit fees).
- 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 their plans, compare them 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:
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Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder |
2degrees Plans, Charges and Add-Ons
Plan |
Monthly Cost |
Download Speed (Mbps) |
Contract type |
300GB Wireless 4G |
$55 |
4G |
Open / Fixed |
Unlimited Wireless 4G |
$60 |
4G |
Fixed |
Unlimited Wireless 5G |
$79 |
5G |
Fixed |
Fibre Starter [Fibre] |
$60 |
50 |
Open / Fixed |
Unlimited [UFB] |
$97 |
304 |
Open / Fixed |
Ultimate Unlimited [MAX] |
$109 |
865 |
Open / Fixed |
170GB Rural Wireless 4G [Rural] |
$85 |
4G |
Open / Fixed |
Hyperfibre 2 |
$139 |
2000 |
Open / Fixed |
Hyperfibre 4 |
$169 |
4000 |
Open / Fixed |
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: When choosing an open-term plan, less discounts and benefits apply (no monthly discounts on fibre plans, no prezzy card welcome gift, no complimentary Amazon Prime subscription), and you are subject to installation fees as follows:
2. Fixed Term (12 months): If you take out a fixed-term contract, you get free installation and the rental of the modem is included. You can also benefit from additional discounts and promotions that are not available on open-term contracts. However, if you end the contract early you might be subject to hefty exit fees.
Important:
Optional Add-Ons:
1. Open-Term: When choosing an open-term plan, less discounts and benefits apply (no monthly discounts on fibre plans, no prezzy card welcome gift, no complimentary Amazon Prime subscription), and you are subject to installation fees as follows:
- G4 and G5 plans: Postage $15, Modem $299
- Fibre plans: Postage $15, Modem $199, Installation fee $99
- Hyperfibre plans: Postage $15, Modem $599, Installation fee $99
2. Fixed Term (12 months): If you take out a fixed-term contract, you get free installation and the rental of the modem is included. You can also benefit from additional discounts and promotions that are not available on open-term contracts. However, if you end the contract early you might be subject to hefty exit fees.
- G4 and G5 plans: Postage $15, Early exit fee of up to $299
- Fibre plans: Postage $15, Early exit fee of up to $199
- Hyperfibre plans: Postage $15, Early exit fee of up to $199
Important:
- If you have a mobile contract with 2degrees, you get a discount of $10 per month on any of their broadband plans.
Optional Add-Ons:
- 2degrees offers the option to add a phone line, for $15 per month.
2degrees Broadband Customer Service and Outage Support
- 2degrees' Customer Care Hours are 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 8pm Sundays and public holidays. You can fill out a contact form or give them a phone call.
- If there is a broadband outage, 2degrees keeps you connected with extra data added to your 2degrees mobile phone.
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 offers generous data and market-leading download speeds.
If you live in a rural area, the 2degrees Rural Broadband Plan offers generous data and market-leading download speeds.
Choosing the Right 2degrees Plan - Capped 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 and Speed: In general terms:
2. Flexibility:
3. Set-Up Charges:
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. Also, if you have a mobile contract with 2degrees, you get an additional discount on your broadband monthly bill.
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 subscription to Amazon Prime Video.
1. Connection Speed and Speed: In general terms:
- Capped data plans are 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, or individuals 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 with videos, website development, content creation or any other type of work that needs the best possible speed.
- The Hyperfibre Plans are designed for gamers and professionals who require the fastest possible connection
- 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 contract.
- If you decide to opt for an open-term contract, you will have to pay much more. For example, the open-term Ultimate Unlimited plan will cost you hundreds more 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 shipping of the modem.
- 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.
- 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 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. Also, if you have a mobile contract with 2degrees, you get an additional discount on your broadband monthly bill.
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 subscription to 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. If you prefer, you could also set up your own modem using these settings.
Does 2degrees offer additional perks?
Yes, 2degrees offers discounts for existing 2degrees mobile phone customers, complimentary Amazon Prime Video subscription when taking out a 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 discounts 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, 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.
