Slingshot (ISP) facts for kids
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| Subsidiary | |
| Industry | Internet Service Provider Telecommunications |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Auckland, New Zealand |
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Key people
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Mark Callander (CEO) |
| Products | Broadband Dialup Telephone VoIP Mobile phone |
| Parent | 2degrees |
Slingshot is a big telecommunications company in New Zealand. It helps people connect to the internet and make phone calls. About 300 people work for Slingshot in Auckland.
Contents
Slingshot's Journey: A Look at Its History
Slingshot was started in 1996 by Malcolm Dick and Annette Presley. It was part of a group of companies called CallPlus. Their goal was to offer internet and phone services to homes.
In 2016, two companies, M2 Group and Vocus Communications, joined together. They formed a new company called Vocus Group. In 2017, CallPlus changed its name to Vocus Communications.
Later, on June 1, 2022, Vocus Group joined with another telecommunications company called 2degrees.
What Slingshot Has Done: Key Activities
- 2013 – Slingshot launched a new feature called "Global Mode." It was free for all Slingshot broadband users.
- 2013 – Slingshot helped sponsor a TV show called "3rd Degree" on TV3.
- 2012 – Slingshot was a finalist for an award in Amsterdam for its "Broadband Unlimited" plan.
- 2012 – They launched "Rollover Data" for free on all broadband connections.
- 2011 – Slingshot offered unlimited broadband for only $60.
- 2011 – They provided free Wi-Fi in Auckland City during the Rugby World Cup.
- 2009 – A survey by NZ Herald said Slingshot was New Zealand's top broadband provider.
- 2007 – Slingshot won the "Best Internet Service Provider" award at the People's Choice Awards.
- 2005 – They received the TUANZ Broadband Innovation Award.
Slingshot's Products: How They Connect You
Slingshot offers different ways for people to connect and communicate.
Homeline and Broadband Bundles
Slingshot's main products are packages that combine a home phone line with internet access. These bundles make it easy to get both services together.
Broadband Unlimited
In October 2011, Slingshot introduced its "Broadband Unlimited" plan. This plan allowed customers to use as much internet data as they wanted without extra charges.
Naked Broadband
"Naked Broadband" is a special type of internet connection. It lets customers have broadband at home without needing a traditional fixed home phone line.
Calling and Tolls
Slingshot provides different calling plans. These plans offer good rates for calls within New Zealand, international calls, and calls from landlines to mobile phones.
Slingshot Mobile
Slingshot Mobile started in 2009. It aimed to be a mobile phone service that was affordable. Slingshot used another company's network, Vodafone's, to offer its mobile services.
Special Features and Services
Slingshot has introduced some cool features to improve its services.
Rollover Data
In October 2012, Slingshot was the first large internet provider in New Zealand to offer "Rollover Data." This feature was free for all broadband plans. It meant that any unused data from one month would carry over to the next month.
Un-metering Online Content
On April 4, 2012, Slingshot was the first internet provider in New Zealand to "un-meter" Quickflix content. This meant that customers watching movies or shows on Quickflix.co.nz did not use up their data allowance. Slingshot later did the same for iSKY and IGLOO streaming services. This allowed customers to watch a lot of media without worrying about data limits. However, in June 2013, some network changes meant that internet providers could no longer un-meter content from iSKY or IGLOO.
Global Mode
On June 19, 2013, Slingshot launched a free add-on called "Global Mode." This feature allowed people visiting New Zealand to access some of their favorite international websites and services. It was a way to help New Zealand's internet reputation. Global Mode got a lot of attention from the news. However, in 2015, Global Mode stopped working, and sites like Netflix and Hulu became blocked again in New Zealand.
Slingshot's Place in the Market
Slingshot is one of the biggest internet providers in New Zealand. As of 2015, about 16% of homes in New Zealand used Slingshot for their internet.
