Origin Wireless Review: Is It Worth It?

Rural residents in New Zealand often have to pay outrageous fees for less internet coverage compared to Urban residents. This is because most broadband providers have their infrastructure built in major cities alone. But rural broadband services like Origin Wireless are changing the narrative. 

This Origin Wireless Review covers everything you need to know regarding its services to help you make informed decisions.

What Is Origin Wireless?

Origin Wireless, a subsidiary of Evolution Wireless (EWC), is a New Zealand-based internet service provider (ISP) offering broadband services to rural areas. They're prominent within the Poverty Bay and Hawkes region, delivering ultra-fast internet using their extensive network infrastructure. 

Considering the company's commitment to connecting rural communities, it's clear that they reflect a broader social responsibility to ensure every individual enjoys essential digital opportunities. Origin Wireless aims to empower communities and contribute to the development and growth of New Zealand's digital landscape through its services.

Where Is Origin Wireless Available?

Origin broadband is available in several locations, including urban and rural areas in New Zealand. But you'll likely get better coverage around these rural areas: Waiotahi, Ohope, Wainui, Torere, Otara, Tirohanga, Ohiwa, Opotiki, and several districts in the Poverty Bay.

Why Should You Use Origin Wireless Broadband

Origin Wireless might not be one of the largest service providers in New Zealand, but here are some reasons to consider their broadband plans. 

Rural Service Delivery

If you operate a business within New Zealand, you might have noticed the challenges faced with traditional Internet services, especially in rural areas. From sluggish connectivity to high Internet charges, these often affect business operations. 

Origin Wireless might not be the Messiah, but their Internet services dedicated to the rural areas helps improve not just business processes but also the overall quality of life. This changes a lot for the locals and New Zealand at large. For instance, such areas can attract new investments and foster economic growth.

Price Transparency

Some broadband services might require you to book a consultation or contact a local distributor to get a plan or quote, which might be hectic. Unlike them, Origin Wireless has a section on its website highlighting its pricing and plans.

The details stated ensure that you're aware of the values of each plan and how much it costs. Also, we've checked with several users and didn't find hidden fees like installation charges or equipment; everything is visible or stated in your contract. 

Cost-Effective Solution

Origin Wireless solution is fairly priced. This isn't to say that it's the cheapest broadband service in New Zealand. However, comparing it to offers from the Packing Shed or Starlink, we can say it's more affordable. 

Starting at $89, you can sign up for its unlimited plan. 

Why You May Not Consider Using Origin Wireless Broadband

Here are some setbacks to consider before signing up for Origin Wireless:

New Company

There's a long list of broadband providers for Kiwi customers, and Origin is one of the latest companies in the industry. While this isn't a disadvantage, they have a limited verifiable track record, which is vital when checking for internet solutions. 

We can't ascertain that Origin Wireless can or will continue to deliver on its promises. 

Not Much Customer Reviews Online

This is understandable since it's a new company. There are few people using this service currently. Also, their coverage is within rural areas, where only a few people are willing to purchase an Internet service or drop a review when they do. 

This lack of social proof is worth considering before making a decision.

Fewer Details on their Website

A company's website is like its digital storefront. It's where you expect to find all the vital details about its services, coverage areas, pricing, and support options. But this is one challenge we found with Origin Wireless. 

Origin Wireless's website doesn't provide comprehensive information; you might feel like you're missing crucial pieces of the puzzle. Its "About Us" section says nothing of value about the company or its founder. The entire website is a single landing page plus a form section.

All of these spell the signs of terrible service and raise some concerns. 

Origin Wireless Broadband Pricing and Plans

Here's an overview of Origin Wireless plans for residents:

• 80 Gigabytes Plan: This plan costs $59 per month and comes with a data allowance of 80 gigabytes, which should be sufficient for moderate internet usage.
• 120 Gigabyte Plan: For more data, there's a 120-gigabyte plan at $79 per month.
• Unlimited Plan: If you want worry-free internet access without data caps, you can purchase the UNLIMITED plan at $89 per month.

Connections

There are two options for connections:

• Standard Connection: The standard connection rate for residential customers is $80. This is a one-time payment and covers the setup and installation of the wireless connection at your home.
• Moving House: If you're an existing customer of Origin Wireless and need to move to a new location, you can choose the renew contract option for $50. This fee helps facilitate the relocation of your internet service to your new address.

Note that these prices may vary based on your location and the specific offers available at the time of signup. 

How to Get Origin Wireless Broadband

Getting Origin Wireless Broadband is as simple as taking these five simple steps: 

• Visit their website.
• Check if they currently supply to your area. If they do, you can proceed to the next step. Else, you might need to contact them. They also offer coverage based on demand.
• You can proceed to the pricing section and select a suitable offer. 
• Click the signup button and fill out the contact form. 
• Get in touch with the support team on the phone if you need more clarifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Origin Wireless at my location? 

If you stay in any of the rural areas in New Zealand, chances are Origin Wireless delivers to those places. Their coverage areas include Waiotahi, Ohope, Wainui, Torere, Otara, Tirohanga, Ohiwa, Opotiki, and the Poverty Bay.

However, you can contact the support team using the information on the website if you can't find them in your location. They offer services on demand, but this might have some requirements.

Do I pay for installation, and how much is it? 

Yes, Origin Wireless charges you a connection fee. The cost will depend on whether you're an existing or new client. 

As an existing customer moving house, you pay a reconnection fee of $50, while new customers pay $80 for standard connections.

How fast is Origin Broadband? 

While there's no official information on their website regarding their internet speed, we managed to get some information on this from existing users. The internet speed range is 30 to 40 Mbps download speed. 

Is Origin Wireless cheaper than Mercury NZ?

Mercury NZ plans are cheaper and well structured. Compared to Origin's 120 Gb plan, which costs $79, Mercury offers a similar data bundle for $10 less ($69). However, Origin has a lower budget plan you can purchase for $59, in case you're on a budget. 

Is Origin Wireless Broadband Worth It?

Because this company has several major red flags, from fewer reviews online to a scanty website, it's better to look for a different provider. There's not enough information or resource available for us to trust them.

But their solution looks promising. The few users we interviewed found their services satisfactory. So, they might be worth trying after all, especially if you stay in a rural area and have no other less-expensive choices. 

Conclusion

Origin Wireless offers a dedicated service to remote areas in New Zealand to help residents save costs for Internet usage. They also provide on-demand delivery, which can be extremely helpful if they're not currently within your location. You can compare Origin Wireless deals with other rural broadband deals on our site.