Mobile Phone Providers – 2013 Ratings
^ 3 Mobile will cease operations on the 30th of August, 2013.
One in five young motorists admit to talking or texting while behind the wheel
Generation Y motorists may be putting themselves in harm’s way, with one in five who responded to our recent survey admitting they regularly talk or text while driving. Only 14% of Generation X drivers, or 6% of Baby Boomers, said the same.
According to AA, research shows that using a handheld phone whilst driving increases the risk of crashing your car by a frightening 400%. Statistics like these led to the Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule being passed in 2009, effectively banning the use of hand-held mobile phones and all texting while operating a vehicle.
Close to a quarter of New Zealand drivers avoid this issue entirely by owning a hands-free or Bluetooth kit for their vehicle.
On an entirely different note, our survey also asked whether or not respondents had secretly gone through their partner’s mobile phone. Few admitted to the act (13%), but women were twice as likely as men to admit they’d sneaked a peek (18% versus 9%).
2degrees secure third Canstar Blue customer satisfaction award
Mobile phones are a huge part of our lives, and it’s important to find a provider who offers more for your money. Therefore, we’ve once again compared mobile phone provider brands in terms of customer satisfaction, to help you decide which one to sign up for.
2degrees have – for the third year in a row – received our Most Satisfied Customers Award – Mobile Phone Providers, ahead of tough competition from Skinny, Telecom and Vodafone.
Skinny received five stars for value for money, and shared a top rating with Telecom for network coverage. However, it was 2degrees that secured more five star ratings than any other brand. They excelled in the areas of overall satisfaction, customer service, accessibility of provider and billing.
Canstar Blue commissions Colmar Brunton using the SSI Panel to survey 2,500 New Zealand consumers to measure and track customer satisfaction on a range of different consumer goods and services. The outcomes reported are the results from respondents within the survey group who have an active mobile phone account (post or prepaid) their name and pay the bills – in this case, 2,144 people. Brands must receive at least 30 responses to be included.
Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands that received three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10.
Overall satisfaction
2degrees achieved five stars for overall customer satisfaction in this year’s awards, ahead of four star recipient Skinny. Telecom and Vodafone each received three stars in this category.
Value for money
The average New Zealander spends hundreds of dollars each year on their mobile phone bill, and hopefully they all receive good value for what they pay. Skinny customers were most satisfied with the value for money of their mobile phone plan. Following the five star recipient was 2degrees with four stars, and Telecom and Vodafone with three.
Customer service
Good telecommunications companies make their customers feel valued, and resolve issues quickly. 2degrees achieved five stars for mobile phone provider customer service, and were followed by four star recipients Telecom and Vodafone. Skinny received three stars for customer satisfaction.
Accessibility of the provider (i.e. sales, service, via shop, online, telephone)
Do you have a problem with your phone, or service? Providers can lend a hand over the phone, through email or online chat, or face to face. 2degrees customers were most satisfied with the accessibility of their mobile phone provider, which earned the brand five stars. Telecom and Vodafone received four each, and Skinny achieved three.
Billing
It’s important to keep on top of your expenses, and an easier billing process from your mobile phone provider can help in this regard. 2degrees secured five stars for billing, and were followed by four star recipients Skinny, Telecom and Vodafone.
Network coverage
Two brands – Telecom and Skinny – achieved five star ratings for network coverage in this category. Following with four stars each were both Vodafone and 2degrees.