I suppose most questions on here are from people who have waited ages but a porting request is taking too long or failed... But my question is, if a number port is requested (say from a prepaid to come across to a plan)... And scheduled in a week's time... Can it not be stopped under any circumstance even if contract is cancelled? (That's what I've been left to believe)
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Can a number porting request not be stopped once put through?
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Moving a Spark eSIM when upgrading iPhones
General info on this from Apple Support seems very vague. Can Spark, or anyone whose done this recently, describe Spark's process for transferring an eSIM to a new iPhone, for example if you upgrade from XS to 11? Some on overseas carriers say that if you keep the original QR code, it's as simple as scanning it on the new device after removing the eSIM from the old one, while others report this hasn't worked for them. Before jumping on the eSIM bandwagon I'd like an assurance that if I continue my practice of buying from Apple I can transfer the eSIM pretty easily, without having to visit a Spark store. Thanks for any info.
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Spark store signed me up to a contract phone and plan without my permission
Spark store signed me up to a contract phone and plan without my permission, in my absence. Apparently nothing can be done about it. I've tried for days now to sort this out, and time is running out for the scheduled porting request.I've had no joy from numerous calls to 0800 number, no joy from visit to spark store, had a team member escalate it but after a few calls informing me of update, it's gone quiet.The TLDR is I signed up online to phone/plan. I received email that they wanted further information. I was walking past Spark store as email came in, made general enquiries about the application, then left the store.I emailed the application team, cancelled my application, because I wanted to make a few amendments, which silly me thought would be easier to cancel and start again. I gave it a while, called to confirm my email had been received and application cancelled. It was. So I made the second correct application.However that Spark store, without my permission or knowledge, cancelled my application, and put through the first order and approved it.They tell me the port is scheduled for 7 days, and there is no way to stop it, and now have wrong phone but it can't be exchanged until port completes. They say my second application made on the final day of Segway promo, cannot be honoured, because unlike 10 years ago when I had 3 phone contracts with Telecom at once, now people are only allowed one each, so it was declined (though I was never advised of this), because of course the store signed me up to a contract in my absence which I cancelled and was confirmed to be cancelled.Maybe I'm an optimist, but I don't see why things have to be impossibly difficult. Can I not just get my new plan put on a new SIM card, and exchange the unopened phone, seems so simple, yet they say it's impossible to do?
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Is spark fibre a good isp option?
Hi there im currently looking for a new isp , Is spark fibre good ? Will mainly be using it for console gaming .Cgnat ?Cheers.
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Slow Spark FiberMAX Speeds
Hi all,I am wondering why I am only getting up to 250mpbs on speedtest.net (and other apps such as Steam), Whilst on the spark speed test I get up to 930mbps.Does anybody know why this is?The connection on my end should not be a problem, as I am running Cat6 Ethernet directly to the router.Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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No Apple Watch Cellular for me after a rough Spark experience
As I mentioned in the Apple Watch Cellular thread, I was unable to find a Spark plan that met our use case, several data SIMS in tablets and laptops and my wife and I sharing data on our iPhones. But it's amazing how inventive you can be when you want something badly enough, so my wife agreed to port to 2Degrees so we could share her plan data on our data devices. That left me to go for Spark's Unlimited plan so I could have the Apple Watch cellular. At lunch time today I headed into a Spark store and the sign-up process was a snap, or at least, it seemed that way. I decided to go with eSIM on my iPhone 11 Pro Max because that left the physical SIM slot free for a second carrier, and to activate SIMs for data devices like iPads where texting isn't possible. I've used eSIM before with various apps including tMobile in the US, where the entire process is controlled through an app. Spark uses QR codes as do several other carriers around the world. Since I am totally blind, I quizzed the rep about the process, because all QR codes I'm aware of need to be scanned...that's what you do with QR codes right? He assured me no sight would be necessary and that I could tap the code in the email. On this bases, I walked away with an eSIM in the email with no temporary number, but which I was told would be active when my port from Vodafone was complete. When I got back to the office and researched this further, I found I was indeed right and that it was pretty difficult for a blind person to scan that QR code. I phoned Spark and asked me if they could simply email me the manual data for me to type in, something I have also done several times elsewhere. Spark said they weren't able to do this, and that my best bet was to visit a Spark store again. So, at the end of my work day, I headed off in an Uber to a Spark store where I expressed my concern that if I lost Vodafone service on my physical SIM without being able to activate the eSIM, I would be without cell service altogether and for me that poses a genuine safety risk. I wouldn't be able to make calls, get info about my location or access the service I use to get assistance in unfamiliar places. I suggested the way around this would be for Spark to assign me a temporary number so we could get the eSIM activated, then when the port was complete the eSIM would acquire my Vodafone number. In-store, he set this up in the system and scanned the QR code, saying it would be active shortly. In retrospect, I should have hung around until it was, but I did verify in settings that a secondary carrier was now present with Spark's name on it. I soon got an email from Spark saying my service was active and giving me the 027 number that had been assigned to my eSIM temporarily. The only trouble was, I was still getting no service. Going into the appropriate settings, I could see that a SIM number had been assigned, that Spark 40.0 carrier settings were active, and all looked good. But despite reboots, no service. I spent over an hour with Spark explaining my situation and frankly, helping them troubleshoot by suggesting that they should compare the SIM my iPhone was showing with the SIM number in their system for the service. In the end, I was advised to, you guessed it, visit the Spark store again. Apart from the cost of doing this, it's time I don't have so I have cancelled my service and have everything crossed that the port doesn't happen. If it does, the nightmare may only just be beginning. I was disappointed that several times after explaining the situation over the phone, I was asked if I could just scan the code again. It was as if they either didn't believe that I was blind or didn't understand what being blind meant. In many other countries, carriers have customer service reps trained in accessibility. Sadly, not here. It's unfortunate that some Spark staff appear not to know how eSIMs work or how to activate them. It's also a shame there appeared to be no way for me to simply get the data manually. I still don't know why, given that an eSIM was clearly installed, I had no service on the temporary number. I do hope another carrier gets the cellular Watch soon.
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Fibre max — not getting the right speed, please help
Hey guys, I'm sorry if this has been asked a million times - I've looked all over and can't seem to find any solution.We have changed our current plan to fibre max four weeks ago and we're not getting the right speed. We have the nighthawk d7800. Currently we're getting around 200mbps download speed on both lan and wireless. I have tried testing the speed on several devices; windows laptop, MacBook,iPhones, Samsung, ps4 etc. Am I missing something? Or is there a guide that I'm supposed to be following or has been missed?Please help.Thanks I'm advance,Modem: https://www.netgear.com.au/home/products/networking/modem-routers/D7800.aspxGuide that I followed: https://kb.netgear.com/30947/How-do-I-set-up-my-NETGEAR-router-if-I-have-Spark-NZ-Fibre-or-UFBhttps://www.pbtech.co.nz/NetgearISPSettings#sparkd7800
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Scam spark calls on a daily basis to multiple numbers
We have been getting scam spark calls to multiple family members on a daily basis over the last month. They seem to phone the same time, and when picked up, they have a foreign accent, and say that this is spark, and we are about to cut off your internet. Obviously the call is not being made by Spark, but my phone provider is spark, so potentially it could have been legit. Have also had similar ones on the mobile. Are ISPs not going to do something to stop these automated overseas scam calls? Overseas providers have Capcha type systems to make sure the caller isn't a bot, but to the best of my knowledge NZ. I wonder how many NZs are being scammed, and how much it is costing NZ, because I think it will be a lot. .
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Spark outage 7 dec
We just lost spark fibre and all spark cell service, anyone else?
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Can spark remotely check DSL lines to identify sub-optimal performance?
I was trying to help my mum who has pretty slow ADSL (8mbps down, no master splitter) and is semi rural. She used to get faster speeds several years ago, from memory was around 13mbps down. Are spark able to check DSL line stats to judge whether internal house wiring might be causing issues?
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MMS messages fail to send and fail to download received
MMS messages have stopped working for me in the last few months. Zero changes my end.Used to work perfectly fine, then some days, pictures took ages to send, upwards of 5-6 minutes. Also had a day trip in Auckland and I couldn't send any. As soon as I landed back in Christchurch, they worked.Now, they won't send or receive at all. I get the text to say I've received a MMS message etc but they don't download (Have wifi off etc).Device is a Galaxy Note 8 but I'm pretty much 100% sure it's Sparks end not mine as I've made zero changes my end and they used to work, I've confirmed the MMS APN settings and have also re-installed the configuration message you receive when joining Spark.Zero issues with anything else, just MMS.Ideas?
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The Spark Retail Experience....
...is truly awful. Their shops are busy; which they may think is great for them; but their retail customer experience just sucks. Every Spark shop I've been into over the last 6 or 8 weeks (and there have been a few for reasons!) have been equally bad. The main issue is there is no queuing system - lots of products to look at / play with scattered around the store is great; but zero method of letting (busy) staff know that you really want to talk to them. And nothing preventing the lucky person who just wandered into the shop the moment a staff member became free grabbing that staffer and totally bypassing the other 6 or so of us who have been standing there patiently (or not so patiently in some cases!) for upwards of 15 minutes waiting our turn.... Gaaaahhhhh. Does Spark employ a "secret shopper" agency? 'Cause they ought to! <end of rant>
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Trying to buy [or at least look at] a Nokia 7.2...
I'm wanting to replace my phone.The Nokia 7.2 sounds like it may be nice; but apparently Hen's Teeth and/or Hell-based Snowballs would be easier to find or look at:Leaving aside the other issues I have with Spark's retail branches; why is it that none of them seem to actually HAVE a Nokia 7.2 to look at?They haven't had for many weeks.None of the staff I've talked to have actually seen one.They seem surprised to discover it's actually on sale via their websiteThe website lists them being "in stock" via Click & Collect but the same shop doesn't have anyTheir backend systems don't seem to be able to give a date for stock to appearApparently they "always" get "seed phones" in advance of them going on physical sale; but not for the Nokia 7.2, no.… And it's not just Spark, either - apparently Spark and Harvey Norman are the two exclusive suppliers according to the Nokia website; but they're SO exclusive that none of the Harvey Norman shops in the Lower North Island seem to have stock either.What's going on?Is this just a vapourware product? Given that our BDFL has one, you'd think it was a real product; but based on my experience with trying to find and/or see one, I'm beginning to wonder....If there is a lurking Sparker who can explain if/when/how one can see one (I dunno, maybe I need to book an appointment with a Nokia Ambassador - who knows???)...
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Spark Smart Modem Port Forwarding Not Working
Port mapping does not work for me since I swapped from the Spark Huawei HG659b to a new Spark Smart Modem a couple of weeks ago.I am trying to access a WD Passport HDD which records my Cleverloop security cameras continuously via a security camera hub with a USB connection to the HDD, using internal port :3022. I can access it internally within the LAN but not externally.Aside: I asked for help on this in another Geekzone Spark topic on the release of Smart Mesh, but have not made any progress after a couple of initial comments. I probably did myself no favours asking the question in that topic, so I have started this new one to plead for assistance! (I would happily delete my comments in the other topic to tidy that up, but Geekzone forums don't allow that of course.)Although the terminology and settings are different between the 2 devices, I have carefully replicated what I had working on the HG659b faithfully onto the Spark Smart Modem.The port mapping shows up fine in the Smart Modem Port Mapping List and I can access the HDD device when the device I am using to access the HDD is connected within the LAN.However as soon as I try to access the HDD from outside the network via the mapping port I have set ... nothing. It just times out.HG659b: Port Mapping settings- Application = "WD Passport HDD", which maps External 5678-5678 to Internal 3022-3022 using TCP&UDP- Internal Host = "Cleverloop-5600_Ethernet", which is the hub with my HDD device, at IP xxx.xxx.x.68- When I am under the same LAN I can access the HDD fine using xxx.xxx.x.68:3022- And when I am outside the network I can use my network's public IP and the designated port (yyy.yy.yy.162:5678) and it works without a hitch.Spark Smart Modem: Network > NAT> Port Mapping settings- Private IP = xxx.xxx.x.68- Public IP = yyy.yy.yy.162- Protocol = TCP&UDP- Private Port = 3022-3022- Public Port = 5678-5678- When I am under the same network I can see the HDD as before, using xxx.xxx.x.68:3022- However, when I use yyy.yy.yy.162:5678 outside the network it just times outRe the Private IP ("xxx.xxx.x.68" above): I have locked in the Cleverloop/HDD IP by setting it up as a fixed IP under Network > LAN > LAN DHCP. This works fine and the IP never changes. The 3022 port fopr the HDD USB is also specified on the Cleverloop device and also never changes.Re the Public IP ("yyy.yy.yy.162" above): I have confirmed this repeatedly using the information on the router itself (e.g. Overview > Network Status) plus checking from the outside www.whatsmyip.org and the like. For work reasons, I actually pay Spark for a Fixed IP at home so that keeps things simple anyway.Re port testing: I have used www.yougetsignal.com/tools/open-ports/ and others, which all confirm the port I have supposedly opened and mapped on the Smart Modem is still closed. As an aside, I have also tested port :8081 externally because I note that the Smart Modem holds this permanently open for TR-069. That correctly shows as open when I test it using my external IP (yyy.yy.yy.162:8081), so clearly port forwarding *can* work!I have wasted hours trying to fix this, including:- often restarting the Smart Modem and/or the HDD and/or the security camera hub;- setting and testing several different port numbers for the external port (":5678" above) such as :3022, :4567 and :60100 plus others;- temporarily creating a Special Application with :3022 as the internal Trigger Port and :5678 (and others) as the Public Port;- checking all router firewall and settings on the Smart Modem to ensure nothing is affecting the HDD device;- temporarily adding the HDD device to a firewall DMZ on the router; and- temporarily even disabling the firewall on the Smart Modem altogether.Sorry to be so verbose, but I thought I would list all the relevant settings and what I have already tried to avoid wasting anyone's time.Any ideas would be hugely appreciated!I have just ordered a Smart Mesh device from Spark as well, so I sure hope the process goes smoother than this simple port issue with the new modem.Regards,Mark
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Neighbours fibre install - No ONT?
My neighbour had fibre installed today and asked me for help. Inside the house is a white box smaller than an ONT and no lights... it has a white clip over it and a green optical connection port on the underside. There just doesn't seem to be an ONT. She has the spark router but nowhere to plug it in... her excitment about having internet quickly faded :) Didn't get a photo unfortunately.
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Where to find Spark COWs and COPs during your 2019 holiday
Just received:As thousands of holiday makers head to their favourite NZ summer destinations and events over the Christmas period, Spark is deploying over 60 temporary cell sites to support the expected rise in demand for mobile data.Spark's Physical Infrastructure Lead, Rob Berrill said that people are increasingly keen to share their awesome summer experiences with friends and family online, particularly during the summer months while visiting their favourite holiday destinations.'To help make sure our customers have an excellent mobile experience on our network year-round, each summer we deploy temporary cell sites, either cell sites on wheels (CoWs) or cell sites on platforms (CoPs) to provide a boost in locations where we predict there will be surges in mobile data use,' said Berrill.And this year will be no different as temporary sites are deployed in Coopers Beach, Snells Beach, Kinloch, Picton, Twizel and Mangawhai where visitors flock year after year to enjoy the best of what a Kiwi summer has to offer.Festival and concert goers will also be supported, with sites being deployed at over 40 events, including Northern Bass in Mangawhai, Hidden Valley Festival in Matakana, Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne and Bay Dreams in both Nelson and Tauranga.Berrill said it was great to be able to keep Kiwis connected, regardless of where they're travelling to this summer.'The sharing of these great experiences online also promotes local businesses and tourism, as the best of the quintessential Kiwi summer is showcased across popular apps like Instagram and Facebook.'He said that the increased capacity on Spark's network in these popular destinations means people can continue to enjoy their favourite streamed shows and sports whilst on holiday.Spark is seeing unprecedented growth for digital services in general with data usage increasing by over 700% since 2016. Berrill said figures of data use during Boxing and Christmas Day were up 33% from 2017 to 2018.'We've recently completed our biggest-ever wireless network upgrade, with capacity enhanced by approximately 80 percent over the past two years, so many holiday destinations which would normally require a boost, won't need a temporary site this year.' Leading up to summer, Spark and its team of engineers, planners and site managers predict areas that will require extra coverage before working on the logistics like resource consents, power, transportation and site commissioning.Those using state highways will also experience better connectivity on their travels thanks to the addition of permanent cell sites, deployed by the Rural Connectivity Group (RCG), which is bringing 4G mobile and wireless broadband coverage to rural New Zealand.Cell sites on wheels (COW) are portable mobile cellular sites that provide temporary network and wireless coverage to locations where cellular coverage is minimal or restricted. COWs can also provide fully-functional service, via vehicles such as trailers, vans and trucks, to areas affected by natural disaster or areas where a high number of people are expected in a small area, such as major events.Cell sites on platforms (COPs) are also portable mobile cellular sites that provide temporary network and wireless coverage. However, the main difference is that COPs do not have wheels, can support more equipment and are designed to remain in place for a longer period of time than COWs. They are delivered and setup with a Hiab truck.The Rural Connectivity Group is a joint venture between Spark, Vodafone, and 2degrees. To date, approximately 146.4km of New Zealand's state highways now have 4G mobile coverage, and this is expected to rise to 1000km by December 2022.
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upgraded to Spark 900/400
I have upgraded form the 100/20 fibre plan (been on it for about 2 years which normally gave me speed test readings of 90 to 100 download and 15 to 20 upload) to the 900/400 unplan fibre max. I was only changed over last Friday, but all speed tests done at different times of the day I can only seem to get about 200 download and 150 upload. I am using a Netgear R7000 which should be fine for the 900/400 limits. I know you won't get the full speeds, but i thought I would have gotten a lot better results than I do. Attached is my latest reading.Is this normal sort of readings or should I be getting higher speeds?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
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HG659b VPN server to access home lan remotely?
Does the HG659B have a VPN server function? eg, on my fritzbox, I have setup a vpn server so I can access my home lan remotely. It seems to me, that the HG569B can act as a vpn client, but not as a server. Anyone know? THanks.
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Is spark wireless BB geo-locked?
As per the topic, is it geo-locked, and how rapidly do they enforce it?Situation: just bought a house (yay!), Asked spark if we could just pick up our modem and move it to the new address, but they wanted to force us to change plans and make a 12 months commitment.. so screw that, gave them notice and our wireless BB will end ~2weeks after our move date, so hoping to be able to use the wirelessBB at least until that date, or until we can get the fibre install sorted out, otherwise we'll have a month of large cellphone bills and no netflix.As for the fibre install issue, its gets a bit weird, we are #13, but the chorus broadband address database is a possibly a bit wonky for our address.. it doesn't return a result, just sits there spinning endlessly. Using the Spark address checker it selects 13, then it appears to rewrite it to 13C (which isn't a valid address on the council GIS https://ibb.co/Kww45Zy)Fibre is at 13A, 13B, 13C(?) and 1/13 according to the chorus BB checker. but not number 13, also an entry for 1/13B on the chorus BB checker that never resolves. Current owners are using wirelessBB, not sure who with. I haven't spotted an ONT or an entry point for fibre on our property so I don't think we are simply misnamed as 13C in the database. Oh, and since you're reading.. stuff fibre, orcon or my republic?
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Spark Smart Modem And Huawei 659b use simultaneously?
Hi team, Hopefully some one can help me out, or point me in the right direction. Im setting the the network in a new build and just need to clarify that my understanding / reasoning is correct.We have fibre installed to the databox, this is at one side of the house. All the network cables go through here as well as a NVR that needs to connect to the network for online access.I have a old 659b in the databox (or if someone can recommend a smaller modem), have the ONT connect to it via wan port, wifi active. I have the new Spark Smart modem (SSM) in one of the rooms that more centrally located. I would prefer this to take care DHCP and be the primary wifi network.In this case is it just a matter or me setting up the 659b in bridge mode?, lan port to LAN1 port on the smart modem?Would I need to setup anything different with the SSM or the 659 (diable DHCP maybe?)Also as a side note if i setup the SSID, passwords to be identical will both routers allow access to the network via WIFI, or would bridge mode on the 659 disable this. Ideally it would be easier to have two ethernet cables to the central room, then I could have ONT to SSM via one and have have it return to the switch in the databox with another, but alas this wont work. Impossible to add another cable.
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