Back to blog categoriesThe Packing Shed Broadband Review
Aug 22, 2023
Broadband
Source: DepositPhotos
The introduction of satellite services has enabled countries like New Zealand to enjoy faster internet access. This has put them on the map as the 20th country with a fast internet network. But all of these they owe to companies like the Packing Shed, dedicated to improving the nation's internet.
In this Packing Shed broadband review, we cover everything you need to know regarding its services to help you make informed decisions.
Packing Shed: An Overview
Source: Packingshed.co.nz
The Packing Shed Limited is an established Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the Franklin area of New Zealand. It has been at the forefront of connecting communities since its inception in 1996.
As a pioneer in the region, the company has been instrumental in providing reliable and high-speed internet services to rural and urban areas, thus contributing to the growth of digital accessibility in the region.
One of the services they offer is a Satellite Broadband solution.
Recognizing the challenges remote and underserved regions face in accessing reliable internet connectivity, Packing Shed invested in satellite technology to bridge the digital divide.
This approach has proven to be a game-changer for communities in Franklin, where traditional wired connections might not be feasible due to geographical constraints or cost limitations.
How Does Packing Shed's Satellite Broadband Work?
Source: DepositPhotos
Satellite broadband is particularly valuable for areas like New Zealand, where laying traditional fibre-optic cables or DSL/VDSL connections is either logistically challenging or economically unviable.
Through satellite technology, Packing Shed can offer high-speed internet access to customers who would otherwise have limited options, if any, for internet connectivity.
They offer internet solutions using geostationary satellites to provide connectivity. Like most other satellites, you receive a VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) dish. This communicates with their geostationary satellite orbiting above the Earth's equator.
The VSAT transmits data to the satellite, which relays it to Packing Shed's ground station. This two-way communication allows you to access the Internet and online services, even from remote areas in New Zealand.
Where Is Packing Shed Available?
Packing Shed is an indigenous company operating in New Zealand. Its services only provide coverage within New Zealand's 16 regions. This includes Waikato, Auckland, Northland, Taranaki, etc.
If you're wondering if you can get it in your area, you can email the support team: [email protected]
Why You Should Use Packing Shed's Internet Services
Here are a few things you'll love about the Packing Shed:
The Network Is Fast
New Zealand has one of the fastest internet networks in the world, thanks to broadband services like the Packing Shed.
Packing Shed allows you to pick fibre broadband if you live in the Greater Auckland area. With this option, you can enjoy up to 300 Mbps download speed and 100 Mbps upload speed. For the record, this is beyond what most other providers are offering.
Available in Any Location
Packing Shed works just fine in every part of New Zealand, even in remote areas like Fiordland. This makes it an ideal solution for customers living in those areas who need quality internet for business, school, or work.
While the network speed might not be the same in all areas, the least place can have 20 to 40 Mbps of download speed, which is still relatively faster than what you'll get in some countries.
If you notice your internet is slow in your area, you can run a speed test to identify the cause.
Complementary Services
It's worth noting that Packing Shed offers other internet-related services such as domain registration, web hosting, and email hosting.
If you're looking for a comprehensive internet service, Packing Shed might fit your needs. They can help you establish an online presence or manage your online activities.
Why You May Not Consider Choosing The Packing Shed
Here's why you may not consider the Packing Shed:
High Latency
High latency is a common problem with satellite internet, especially for services like Packing Shed, which uses the VSAT on its DSL broadband plan. This is due to the longer distance data must travel between the user's VSAT, the geostationary satellite, and the ground station.
Generally, the estimated latency is within 600ms to 2000ms. This is a lot and can affect activities that require real-time responsiveness, such as online gaming or video conferencing.
You might prefer Sky broadband if you need internet services for online gaming or streaming videos.
Installation Charges
Usually, you pay a small amount to install and set up your satellite broadband. However, Packing Shed charges for this are relatively high.
If you're doing a standard installation and have a 12-month contract, you might not have an issue with this since it's free. But if the standard installation fails and you need to do a wiring install, that'll cost you over $300. This is besides the cost of getting an ADSL router.
Weaker Signals in Some Areas
You may experience slower network speed in some areas. A close look shows those areas are at the edge or beyond the Packing Shed's satellite footprint. This might be an issue if you live in those areas and need a faster network.
If you find the slow network unbearable, you can try other options like Slingshot broadband.
The Packing Shed Internet Packages
You have two broadband packages on Packing Shed.
DSL Broadband
This provides high-speed internet access using existing telephone line wiring.
It comes in two variants: ADSL and VDSL. ADSL broadband can deliver speeds of up to 20 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload, while VDSL broadband offers faster speeds of up to 40 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload.
Plans and Pricing
The pricing depends on the type of connection and data allowance. Here are the details for both ADSL and VDSL plans:
- Naked Broadband Unlimited: Offers unlimited data allowance at a monthly charge of $95.
- Naked VDSL Unlimited: Provides unlimited data allowance at a monthly charge of $105.
Installation
Packing Shed offers different installation options for DSL Broadband:
- Standard Installation (12-month contract): Standard installation with a 12 months contract doesn't require an installation fee. This method requires using line filters for phones on the same phone line.
- Wiring Installation: This doesn't require line filters for other phones and includes a separate wall socket for the broadband connection. You can choose this option for $300 if a standard installation fails or if you prefer a more streamlined setup.
Fibre Broadband
Source: DepositPhotos
This is a special package limited to the Greater Auckland area. This network uses fibre-optic cables to transmit data at an extremely high speed of up to 1000 Mbps.
Plans and Pricing
1. Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB) Residential Plans:
- UFB Fibre300 Unlimited: Provides unlimited data allowance at a monthly fee of $95 with up to 300Mb/s download and 100Mb/s upload speeds.
- UFB Fibre1Gbit Unlimited: Offers unlimited data allowance at a monthly fee of $120 with up to 1Gbit (1000Mb/s) download and 500Mb/s upload speeds.
2. Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB) Business Plans:
- UFB Bus100 Unlimited: Provides unlimited data allowance with 100Mb/s download and 100Mb/s upload speeds at a monthly fee of $140.
Installation
This varies based on the customer type.
- Residential Customers: Free installation for residents who sign up for a 12-month contract.
- Business Customers: Business customers will pay an installation fee of $100, excluding GST.
However, additional installation charges may apply if the premises don't have an existing fibre connection. In such cases, Packing Shed will provide a quote for the installation.
How to Get Packing Shed's Satellite Broadband
Getting Packing Shed's Satellite Broadband takes only a few steps.
- Visit the Packing Shed website: https://www.packingshed.co.nz/.
- From the home page, go to the Internet Access tab.
- On the Internet Access page, you can select a package: DSL Broadband or Fibre Broadband.
- To place an order, you'll have to contact the sales department via email: [email protected]. You'll also find a call line: 0800 323002, to speak to a rep.
Is Packing Shed Worth It?
While we can say, "Yes, Packing Shed is worth trying out," it'll also depend on your location. Considering its network coverage is stronger in major cities and regions like Auckland, you might want to try other options if you live outside the border.
There's also the issue of high latency on its DSL broadband. However, you might not have this issue if the fibre broadband plan is available in your location.
Looking at the brighter side of things, Packing Shed's services help provide a more reliable wireless internet. In place of any better option, they could be worth a try.
Conclusion
We've reviewed the major components of the Packing Shed Broadband, from plans to installation costs. Against all odds, Packing Shed's services can help provide a reliable means for New Zealanders to connect to the world through the Internet.
