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:
How to get the best price on 2degrees broadband plan:
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:
- 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:
- 300GB Plan (from $65/month)
- Unlimited Plan (from $75/month)
- Ultimate Unlimited Plan (from $90/month).
- In addition, 2degrees also offers a dedicated Rural Broadband Plan (from $85/month).
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 the early exit fee).
- 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:
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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:
Important:
- 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)
- 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’ Rural Broadband Speed:
- 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.
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.
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2degrees 300GB Broadband Plan ReviewSummary: The 2degrees 300GB plan is aimed at consumers with basic internet access needs looking for a fast and cheap broadband service.
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The Cons:
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2degrees Unlimited Broadband Plan ReviewSummary: 2degrees’ Unlimited Plan is ideal for New Zealanders looking for a no-limit, benefits-packed plan at a reasonable price.
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2degrees Ultimate Unlimited ReviewSummary: The Ultimate Unlimited Plan is a solid choice for Kiwis who depend on fast internet speeds, such as gamers, content creators, and IT professionals.
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2degrees Rural Broadband Plan ReviewSummary: 2degrees Rural Broadband Plan is designed for people who live in remote areas of New Zealand and require reliable internet service.
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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.
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:
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 – 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.
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.
