Orcon Launches One Gig Residential Plans

Media Release

28 September 2016

ORCON LAUNCHES ONE GIG RESIDENTIAL PLANS

Super high-speed internet from $135 a month, 24 month plans include an Xbox One S

New Zealand’s fibre expert, Orcon, was the first to offer Kiwis Ultra-Fast Broadband, the first to offer a Gigatown plan and is now continuing the ethos of innovation by launching Gig plans in Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Tauranga and Christchurch.

From tomorrow, Kiwis with a need for speed can sign up to the new plans, starting from $135 a month on a two year plan.

Taryn Hamilton, Consumer General Manager at Orcon, says these plans are like the Usain Bolt of internet speed – they’re the best of the best.

“We’re really excited to be launching Gig plans. They are a massive leap from what most Kiwi homes have been used to, but if history has taught us anything it’s that technology moves quickly. In a few years, we could be looking back at fibre 100 plans with the nostalgia and mockery we now have for dial-up.

“We already know Kiwi data requirements are changing, the average home now has more than 10 connected devices, we’re streaming movies and episodes in 4K and are plugged in 24/7. Our existing UFB plans are more than adequate for 90% of customers, but there is an appetite for one gigabit speeds among a select few,” adds Hamilton.

Hamilton says that Orcon has been providing Gig plans in Dunedin since 2014. “When you are dealing with top end plans like this, it’s critical you have a network that supports moving huge amounts of data around.

“We cache more than 50% of our network traffic locally – whether it’s Apple updates, Netflix, YouTube, or other data hungry services – and this ensures we can provide what we need to provide to our Gig customers.”

Hamilton says that Orcon is including an Xbox One S with all Gig plans on a 24 month contract.

“We think this is a game changer. Not only are we offering Gig, but in the Xbox One S you get a device that will make 4K streaming a breeze. At Orcon we like to innovate and change the market, and this offer marks out how serious we are about Gig.”

Jane Dore, Xbox NZ Lead, says streaming 4K movies and TV on Xbox One S will be seamless with gig plans.

“We’re particularly excited to see how gigabit plans will proliferate technological advancement and innovation.

“The better the internet connection, the better the Xbox Live and online gaming experience will be, so it’s awesome to see Gig plans available to more Kiwis.”

While Gig plans may be more than most people need right now, for many customers it's about future-proofing. Rhys Dilks, General Manager - Digihome, says home automation is on the rise and with that, comes a need for faster speeds.

Dilks has just completed the install of what is arguably New Zealand’s most connected home, with more than 75 connected devices, giving the owner total control over all aspects of their home, no matter where they are.

“The entire house is connected and it’s completely wireless. They can see who’s at the front door from anywhere in the world, lock their garage from down the street and can let a tradie into their home while they’re on holiday, and even talk to them via the video and audio links in the house. There are some super cool features like being able to open the blinds, control the lights and activate themed settings, as well as change the music and temperature with gesture or voice control.

“For my customers, who want the best and are ahead of the curve, one gigabit plans are the top of the list,” says Dilks.

ENDS

Notes to editor:

After the initial launch Orcon will offer its Gig fibre plans to the following areas:
• Te Awamutu
• Cambridge
• Whangarei
• New Plymouth

Note: The term 1Gbps / Gig describes the category of product but actual broadband speeds will always be less than 1Gbps due to restrictions of this generation of technology. If you do a wired speedtest, you should see 700-900Mbps, this variance on speed will depend on the speedtest server location and capacity, we recommend you use linetest.nz.

Gig Pricing is $135 Naked and $140 with Homeline where fibre is available in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch

In the areas where 1Gbps is not available

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