28 Jul 2015

2degrees enters broadband market

2:04 pm on 28 July 2015

Telecommunications provider 2degrees has entered the broadband market.

2degrees CEO Stewart Sherriff (left) with Snap's owner and chief executive Mark Petrie, who becomes a shareholder in the mobile phone operator after it bought Snap for an undisclosed sum

2degrees CEO Stewart Sherriff (left) with Snap's owner and chief executive Mark Petrie, who becomes a shareholder in the mobile phone operator after it bought Snap for an undisclosed sum Photo: RNZ / Nona Pelletier

The company bought internet service provider Snap in March, allowing it to offer fixed line telephone and broadband services to households, businesses and large organisations.

But it is only now offering two consumer plans - an 80 gigabyte one for $69 a month and an uncapped plan for $89, though users may upgrade their speeds.

Chief executive of 2degrees Stewart Sherriff said customers would also have access to Sky Network Television's Neon internet service, which was free for the first six months.

He said a tenth of its prepaid customer base had expressed interest in signing up.

Analysts said it would be harder for 2degrees to succeed as it did in the mobile phone market, because of the large number of players.