General
What is broadband?
How do I get it?
Internet and phone – how does that work?
Do I need broadband?
What’s the difference between Compass Wireless and DSL like Jetstream?
How will I get connected?
What hardware do I need?

Data usage
Which plan should I go for? How much is 1GB, 4GB, 10GB?
What happens if I exceed my high speed data cap? Will I get charged?

What is broadband?

In essence, broadband is a high capacity telecommunications connection capable of providing multiple services at very high speeds.

The Compass Wireless broadband network has been designed to easily handle not only the current services that communities require (such as telephone, fax and the Internet) but also soon-to-be-provided services such as full-motion video conferencing, video-on-demand, cable TV and full security monitoring services.

How do I get it?

Compass Communications is currently building an advanced wireless broadband network throughout New Zealand.

If you’re keen to have access to the network, you should first decide the sort of services you require (eg Internet, phone or Internet and phone) by checking out our Wireless Internet section.

Call us on 0800 640 840 to join.

Internet and phone – how does that work?

The high capacity of the Compass Wireless broadband network enables you to use a number of different services all at the same time. While you’re on the Internet, you can also be using your phone (or more than one phone if you have more than one line) and the fax, all at the same time.

Do I need broadband?

As a current dial-up Internet user, you may have experienced some challenges in downloading files, sending emails or accessing websites. This could be due to the quality of the phone lines or the fact that you’re on a dial up connection. On Compass wireless, you’ll be able to download pictures, music and applications faster than ever before. Because you’re connected, you’ll see emails as soon as they’re sent and you can reply immediately – no more waiting until your next dial up.

What’s the difference between Compass Wireless and DSL like Jetstream?

Compass wireless delivers a superior experience because it doesn't use a phone line. It’s not affected by factors such as your distance from, or overloading on your local exchange. When response time is critical, for example when using an Internet connection to make phone calls (known as voice over IP or VoIP), the exceptionally low latency (delay in transmission of data) of wireless makes all the difference.

In direct contrast, DSL operates over existing phone lines. If you don’t live within a certain distance of the telephone exchange or if the ageing copper lines are in poor condition, the efficiency of DSL will be drastically affected and the range of services that can be offered will be limited.

How will I get connected?

Once you’ve signed up with our Wireless service and we have confirmed you have line of sight to your nearest transmitter, we’ll get you connected. A Compass technician will install an unobtrusive piece of broadband equipment at your home, for which there will be a minimal installation fee.

What hardware do I need?

We’ll provide you with the Wireless broadband equipment at your home. There will be a minimal installation fee and the cost of using the connection is included in your monthly service fee.

You will need a personal computer (PC) with an Ethernet connection and Ethernet cable to plug into the wireless broadband equipment. If you have multiple PCs on a Lan you may need a router at additional cost.

Data usage

Which plan should I go for? How much is 500MB, 1GB, 10GB?

1GB of data is enough for occasional Internet users (up to an hour a day) who use the Internet for viewing websites and emails

4GB of data is enough for users who download the odd file, browse web pages and use email.

8GB of data is good for the average Internet user. This is a data allowance that enables the user to stream Internet video, download lots of files, browse web pages and use email.

15GB of data is for large Internet users. Great for users who upload as well as download large files, watch lots of Internet streaming video, browse the Internet and use email.

30GB of data is for large families, flatmates, and small businesses. A HUGE amount of data which enables the user to do almost anything on the Internet without fear of going over their cap.

Below are is a list of common activities and how much data they use on average from our experience:

What happens if I exceed my high speed data cap? Will I get charged?

You have 2 options:

• you choose for us to scale back your Internet speed to approximately dial up speed once you exceed your monthly data cap, or
• you choose to have an uncapped plan. With this option, if you exceed your data limit, you will be charged $2.95 per GB (or part thereof) over your limit.