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Leave a review of Lightwire

Reliability
7
Speed
7
Support
7
Features
7
Value
7

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Lightwire was founded in 2006 as a result of a single issue: Dr Murray Pearson could not source a reliable broadband internet connection to his rural property in the Waikato. This led Dr Pearson to undertake a research project through the University of Waikato and to develop No 8 Wireless, which would later become Lightwire. They take their mission of connecting people and businesses with the fastest internet and best network technologies very seriously. So seriously in fact that if there isn’t a solution, they will build one. Taking their local knowledge, can-do attitude, and ability to turn research and development into smart consumer-based solutions Lightwire aim to lead New Zealand in connectivity technology.

Lightwire know the Waikato. Based in Hamilton, New Zealand, their team turn research and development into world-class solutions for people like you. For over a decade Lightwire have been connecting small communities and more recently, providing complex network, data and internet solutions Waikato-wide.

Lightwire’s history is steeped in innovation and they continue to create practical solutions to rural, residential, prepay and business customers throughout the Waikato. 

 

** NOTE: The above information has been provided by the ISP or reproduced from their website **

Total: 6.5
Reliability 6.1
Speed 5.8
Support 7.0
Features 7.6
Value 6.0
Average from 14 reviews
Showing 1-5 of 14 items.
2023-01-30 08:44:53
Titia Schamhart 3.4
Terrible customer service that borderlines bullying, and a severe lack of empathy. I was forced to move house because it got sold suddenly, and couldn’t take the WiFi with me. They still made me pay every month for a subscription I couldn’t use anymore just because that was the contract. No humanity involved in this company, leaving me with heartbreaking debts.
Pros
Easy to install
Cons
Weekly dropouts, quite expensive, incredibly unreasonable when personal circumstances change.
2022-05-17 12:45:57
Ryan 6.2
We are currently with light wire moving from spark because fibre isn’t available. Service is good except when you have a trainee on the phone. Internet speeds are decent with patches it’s rough. Internet was down today for 2 hours for “maintenance” and then back on for 10minutes and back offline. A heads up would be good
Pros
-fast service. Mostly reliable internet
Cons
-average wifi speed, unexpected delays
2021-09-21 12:45:20
Neil Bradley 5.0
I cannot state how bad our service from Lightwire has been over the last few months. We have several hours per day where our connection just drops - either out, or down to ~dialup speeds. But it's not random - seems to line up either with or around school hours - and lightwire have done nothing about it. Had to keep chasing support while unable to work due to connection. So we dropped them as a supplier - and they sent us a $1200 'early termination fee' - which was the remaining amount on the contract which we will no longer be using, and them not supplying. ...read more
Pros
Great when it works, and support is usually fantastic.
Cons
Support exhibits fatigue when they can't solve a problem. Unreasonable termination clause. Don't seem to be a member of the TDR - so you better hope nothing goes wrong. Price is most definitely not competitive.
2021-07-19 09:10:56
Craig Barrow 10.0
kia ora. We so loved Lighwire when we lived in the middle of nowhere. Good speeds for rural and absolutely amazing support. Love them!
Pros
Excellent rural access and pricing
Cons
slow as it is rural, but good speeds for rural
2021-06-14 17:59:39
Anne Marie Garcia 4.0
We used to be with Netsmart and they had an amazing customer support as well as quick techinical intervention when there was an issue. Sadly Lightwire purchased Netsmart in 2016 along their existing clients. Lightwire did not contact all Netsmart clients explaining what to expect in regards to services. In December 2020 our equipment had to be upgraded as incompatible with their new upgrade network and we got invoice $600. We were offered to pay $300 + 10 a month for a full maintenance which we accepted but incompetent staff means we were not invoice and our acceptance for the conditions forgotten. We have just had recently another faulty equipement and again invoiced $600. Get very expensive. ...read more
Pros
Propose plans of 200 GB for $155 relative speed 16 GB download 5GB upload
Cons
Equipment is not very strong, highly senstive, gets faulty quick particularly with bad weather. I advise to check with your insurance to insure it. High fees to repair at $600 each time. Also can be up to 5 working days before you get an intervention. They make mistakes like forget to invoice then invoice 7 months later. Not very good communication with Customer support. They also provide tech support to repair faults then once done you get the surprise it will be $600 again. ...read more
Showing 1-5 of 14 items.
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3 Great Offers
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Unlimited Broadband from $50 p/m
Plus 6 months of Prime Video on us
Connect your home with 4G Wireless, 5G Wireless, Fibre, ADSL or VDSL broadband. We’ll set you up with the best deal in your area.
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Plus 6 months of Prime Video on us
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Join Contact on any energy plan and get a $300 credit when you add broadband. 
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