In its first news announcement since merging into iiNet, Internode is offering a rental option on its well-regarded FRITZ!Box routers and handsets. But do the deals make sense?
If you sign up for a 24-month contract, you can get the 7270 router for an additional $9.95 a month, the 7390 for $14.95 a month, or the DECT handset for the equipment for an additional $4.95 a month. Outright buy prices have also been cut: the 7270 is $249, the 7390 is $349, and the handset is $109.
You don’t have to be a mathematical genius to see that there’s not much of a subsidy involved in the rental plans: each item is gear is around $10 cheaper than if you buy it outright. The one expense you’ll escape is a delivery charge, though Adelaide residents (one of the major focuses for Internode under iiNet ownership) can dodge that if they visit Internode HQ. So it’s far from a terrible deal if you fancy the hardware, but it’s not a huge, radical way of saving money.
Dave
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 2:56 PMUh, this is rental, not a payment plan. You don’t get to keep the devices, ergo this is a waste of money.
techtragic
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 8:55 PMI checked Internode’s website & it does appear to be a straight rental… however Internode also remains responsible for keeping the hardware operating … seems like an alternative at least worth considering!
Matilda Conchobar
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 7:12 PMSounds awfully like the iiNet BoB rental plans.
nozlaf
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 9:42 PMits not really any cheaper than buying the equipment outright
and its heavily overpriced
and its ugly
why is this news?
NatDan
Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 12:14 AMJump on to http://www.staticice.com.au and you will see all Fritz!BOX gear a lot cheaper.
splintex
Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 12:21 PMIs this spam for a price comparison website?
Jack Cola
Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 9:56 PMI wouldn’t say linking to static ice is spam, in my opinion, it’s just like linking to Whirlpool – everyone knows it.