Christmas Newsletter 2024

Christmas holidays seem to roll around quicker and quicker each year, and as the holidays arrive for most of us, it’s good to reflect on the year that’s been.

As always, we have beavered away all year on making our network bigger and better in every way we can.

We purchased Rural Wireless Limited and have been transitioning customers across onto our own Fibre and Wireless Networks, and making improvements to the extra Wireless tower locations that came with the purchase.

We have also completed our Fibre build around Mt Biggs, Halcombe to Sanson and down Lees and Sandon Roads towards Feilding. Our build team has started on the Ashhurst to Colyton to Feilding area (see here Colyton fibre for more details). The Colyton build is a bit behind schedule, as it’s been a bit of a wet start to Spring, but we are hoping to have completed all the civil works on the ducts in the road by March 31 2025, and be well underway in connecting customers starting mid-January 2025.

At the YORB Business awards this year, I was awarded a Lifetime Service Award, which I think is a telltale sign that I am getting old, which might be why the holidays seem to roll around quicker. Although I got the award, this is a reflection of all the hard work the Inspire Net team does year-round to support not only our customers, but our community, and I could not do anything I do without the help of all of them.  I am a huge believer that a business is supported by a community and that it should also support that community in return, and I am proud of what we have achieved so far…..

This time of year is a time to celebrate family, friends and life in general, and even though it can be stressful, its important to make the most of the people in your life while both you and they are still here. It can be a time of giving, but sometimes giving people your time and support can be a lot more important than giving presents.

This year I am also trying to support a young woman in our community that needs our help to change her life, Maia needs help to get some life changing surgery that is not covered by the Public Health System at this stage. If you can help, you can find out more about her plight here givealittle.co.nz

We continue to pride ourselves in being your local Broadband Provider, and while offering our service across all of NZ, the greater Manawatu region is our home, where we are proud to Live, Work and Play.

I would like to thank each and every one of you for your support throughout the year(s), and wish you Happy Holidays. I would also like to take the time to thank all of you who have to work through so that other people can enjoy their time off, I know it can be hard, but we all appreciate it.

James @ InSPire

Helpdesk tips

• Check Your Data Plan: With the holiday season approaching, it’s a good time to make sure your internet plan can handle all the extra activity. Whether it's kids getting new devices, family streaming shows, or video calling loved ones, more devices can mean more data use. Our helpdesk team can review your current usage and recommend the best plan to keep you seamlessly connected.

• Troubleshooting Internet Issues:
• Check Your Cables: Sometimes, the simplest fix is the best one! Ensure all cables are firmly connected; even a slightly loose cable can interrupt your connection.
• Restart Your Router: Power down your router for a few seconds, then turn it back on. Give it up to 5 minutes to fully reboot—this quick reset often clears up connectivity problems.
• Still Having Problems? If your connection is still acting up, reach out to us at 0800 484 363. Our team is here to help troubleshoot further and get you back online. We’re just a call away! 😊

Vulnerable Customers

The purpose of the Vulnerable Consumer Commission 111 Contact Code is to ensure that vulnerable consumers, or persons on their behalf, have reasonable access to an appropriate means of contacting the 111 emergency service in the event of a power failure.
 
The code supports consumers who can no longer call 111 in a power cut because they have moved to new home phone technologies like fibre or fixed wireless. These technologies need a power supply in the home to work, meaning they will not work in a power cut without an independent power source. 
 
When there is a power failure, if you are a VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) customer, this means your phone will not operate to call 111 in an emergency, if needed, as it works digitally via your internet connection, which also won’t be working. Items like cordless phones and medical alarms will also likely not work unless you have an alternative connection which doesn’t rely on power to operate.
 
Most people will have a cellphone that they can call 111 on if needed, however in some instances this service may not be available due to location. If you are an Inspire Net VOIP customer who is vulnerable (a person who is at particular risk of requiring 111, with for example a medical condition) and don't have an alternative means of contacting 111 in the case of a power failure, please call or email us and we can work with you to come up with a suitable solution at no cost to you. Note: there is a form to complete which we can work through with you, if needed, and some proof of vulnerability is required. This form is also available on our website here.

Accounts

We have been having a number of Direct Debits fail on a daily basis when we go to process the payment out of customer accounts.
While this is our preferred way to pay your account, please ensure you do have the funds available for this payment to clear your account on the due date to prevent services being put on hold.

To celebrate Christmas, we are running a competition for all our loyal customers

Staff Christmas Dinner

This year we are celebrating with a function on Thursday the 12th of December. 

Our Helpdesk will be closing earlier so all staff can attend at 5:30pm. They will be back on deck at 8am Wednesday morning. Our public holiday hours are 9am - 6pm.

Our reception will be closed on the stat days over the break and our Helpdesk is open every day other than Christmas day and New Year’s Day.



The last couple of years have been pretty tough for most people so a bit of nice summer weather and a more positive outlook for 2025 is in order.
We wish all our customer’s a Safe and Merry Christmas and New Years


- Your Inspire Net Team.