New Zealand eSIM Data 2026: Avoid Throttling


The Hidden Trap: Why Your New Zealand eSIM Data Allowance Might Be Less Than It Seems

You are standing on the edge of the Milford Sound, the mist rolling off the Tasman Sea, and your phone suddenly freezes mid-navigation. The map tiles stop loading, the turn-by-turn voice guidance cuts out, and your data usage bar shows you are still well within the "unlimited" limit you purchased. This is the classic New Zealand bill shock: not a surprise charge, but a sudden, silent degradation of service that leaves you stranded in a digital void. While the headline New Zealand eSIM data allowance on local carrier plans often promises high speeds and generous caps, the reality for many travelers is a complex web of Fair Usage Policies (FUP) that can drastically reduce your effective bandwidth before you ever hit the hard data ceiling. Understanding this distinction is critical for anyone serious about avoiding data throttling in NZ, as the difference between a usable connection and a frustrating one often lies in the fine print, not the marketing copy.

The Nuance of Fair Usage Policies vs. Hard Caps

To understand why your connection slows down, you must distinguish between a hard cap and a Fair Usage Policy (FUP). A hard cap is straightforward: you have 10GB, you use 10GB, and the service stops or slows to a crawl. However, FUPs are more insidious. They allow carriers to throttle your speed to a specific, often low, threshold once you reach a certain usage marker, even if you have data remaining. This is a common tactic used by major local providers like Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees.

These carriers frequently advertise "unlimited" or high-cap plans that sound ideal for heavy users. However, their FUPs often trigger at surprisingly low thresholds—sometimes as low as 10GB or 20GB of high-speed data. Once this threshold is crossed, your speed is throttled to 128kbps or, in some cases, even lower. At 128kbps, loading a single webpage can take 10 to 15 seconds. Video calls become pixelated audio-only experiences, and streaming services buffer endlessly. For a traveler relying on real-time updates, this is effectively a dead connection, despite the fact that your data allowance is technically not exhausted.

The 128kbps "Snail Mode" Problem

The 128kbps throttle is a standard industry fallback for "unlimited" plans, but it is barely sufficient for modern mobile usage. To put this in perspective, 128kbps is roughly the speed of a dial-up connection from the early 2000s. While it is enough to send a text message or check a simple email, it struggles with the demands of 2026 travel tech:

This inconsistency is the primary pain point for travelers. You might have 50GB of data left, but because you hit the FUP threshold, you are stuck in "snail mode" for the rest of your trip. This is why the headline speed of 5G or 4G LTE is often misleading; if the FUP kicks in, you are effectively locked out of the high-speed network regardless of your remaining data.

A Transparent Alternative: The MollySIM Approach

In contrast to the opaque FUP structures of local carriers, MollySIM (https://mollysim.com) takes a different approach to data management. Their New Zealand eSIM plans are designed with transparency in mind, ensuring that travelers know exactly what to expect when their high-speed data is exhausted. Instead of dropping to the frustrating 128kbps, MollySIM’s Fair Usage Policy allows for a fallback speed of 384kbps.

This may seem like a small difference on paper, but in practice, 384kbps is 3x faster than the 128kbps standard used by many competitors. This speed is generous enough to keep essential services running smoothly:

Feature128kbps (Typical FUP)384kbps (MollySIM FUP)
Web Page Load10-15 seconds3-5 seconds
Google MapsLaggy, frequent bufferingSmooth, real-time updates
Apple Pay / ContactlessOften times outWorks reliably
WhatsApp / iMessageSlow media loadingNear-instant text, fast media
EmailFunctional but slowSnappy and responsive

This 384kbps fallback is a game-changer for travelers who need to stay connected without the anxiety of a dead connection. It ensures that even after your high-speed data is used up, you can still navigate, pay for taxis, and communicate with family without the frustration of a frozen screen. For those who need more flexibility, MollySIM also offers global eSIM options that work seamlessly across multiple countries, eliminating the need to switch providers when crossing borders.

Why Consistent 4G Beats Headline 5G

For the average traveler, the promise of 5G speeds is often a marketing gimmick. In many parts of New Zealand, especially in rural areas and national parks, 5G coverage is still limited. What matters more is consistent 4G LTE speeds that remain reliable throughout your trip. A plan that offers 100Mbps 5G but throttles to 128kbps after 10GB is far less valuable than a plan that offers 50Mbps 4G and maintains 384kbps for the rest of your trip.

When evaluating your New Zealand eSIM data allowance, look beyond the headline numbers. Ask yourself:

  1. What is the FUP threshold?
  2. What is the throttled speed?
  3. Is the throttled speed sufficient for your daily needs?

By focusing on these metrics, you can avoid the hidden traps of local carrier plans and ensure a stress-free digital experience. Understanding the true value of your data allowance is the first step to a stress-free trip, and for more context on network behaviors and carrier comparisons, check out our travel data guides.

Decoding the Numbers: How Much Data Do I Need in New Zealand?

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One of the most common mistakes travelers make when selecting a New Zealand eSIM data allowance is anchoring their expectations to their home internet habits. If you are used to unlimited fiber broadband at home, the idea of rationing data feels counterintuitive. However, travel data consumption is fundamentally different from domestic usage. Most tourists significantly overestimate their needs because they forget that travel is largely about location and communication, not streaming. To determine the right amount of data, we need to break down the actual bandwidth cost of typical travel activities.

The Real Cost of Travel Activities

Let’s look at the hard numbers for common tasks. Many people assume that using Google Maps or Apple Maps consumes massive amounts of data, but this is only true if you are using live, turn-by-turn navigation with real-time traffic updates constantly active. If you download offline maps before you leave (a best practice for remote areas like Fiordland or the South Island backcountry), your daily data usage for navigation drops to a negligible amount.

Total Estimated Daily Usage: ~220MB per day.

A 10-Day Road Trip Calculation

Let’s apply this to a concrete scenario: a 10-day road trip across New Zealand.

ActivityDaily Usage (MB)10-Day Total (MB)
Maps & Navigation50500
Social Media1001,000
Email & Messaging50500
Banking/Utilities20200
Buffer for Errors30300
TOTAL2502,500 (2.5GB)

As you can see, a typical tourist using their phone for essential travel tasks will consume roughly 2.5GB over the course of ten days. This is a crucial insight: a 5GB plan is often overkill for a standard tourist.

Why Buying More Data Isn’t Always Better

There is a psychological bias in travel tech: we think "more data" equals "better value." In reality, buying excessive data you won’t use is a waste of money, especially when local SIMs charge a premium for high caps. If you buy a 10GB plan but only use 3GB, you are paying for 7GB of unused bandwidth.

Furthermore, many providers use high data caps as a marketing hook to hide aggressive throttling. A plan that offers 10GB at 100Mbps but throttles to 128kbps after the cap is often less useful than a plan that offers 5GB at 50Mbps and maintains a robust speed afterward.

The Sweet Spot: Mid-Tier Plans with Fair Use Policies

The goal is not to have the most data, but to have the right data at the right speed. This is where the concept of a New Zealand eSIM data allowance with a fair FUP (Fair Use Policy) becomes critical.

Consider the difference between a 128kbps throttled speed and a 384kbps throttled speed. At 128kbps, loading a webpage can take 10-15 seconds, and apps like Google Maps may struggle to render pins. At 384kbps, which is 3x faster, you can still load maps smoothly, make Apple Pay transactions, and send messages without the frustration of a frozen screen.

MollySIM’s approach to this is particularly noteworthy. Their New Zealand plans are designed with this "sweet spot" in mind. By offering a mid-tier data allowance with a 384kbps Fair Use Policy speed limit, they ensure that even if you exceed your high-speed cap, your connection remains functional for critical tasks. This is a significant advantage over competitors who drop you to 128kbps, effectively rendering your phone a brick for anything beyond basic text messages.

For travelers who want to optimize their budget, choosing a plan that matches your actual usage profile—rather than the maximum available—is a smart cost-saving strategy. You can explore the specific data tiers and FUP details in our New Zealand eSIM plans to find the option that aligns with your calculated needs.

Final Thoughts on Data Sizing

When you are evaluating your New Zealand eSIM data allowance, remember that value is defined by reliability and speed consistency, not just the total gigabytes. A 5GB plan with a 384kbps FUP is often a superior choice to a 10GB plan with a 128kbps FUP, especially for road trips and urban exploration. By understanding your true data consumption, you avoid overpaying and ensure that your connection remains robust throughout your journey.

5G Hype vs. 4G Reality: Why Consistency Beats Speed in NZ

While marketing materials for mobile connectivity in New Zealand often lead with the promise of 5G speeds, the technical reality on the ground presents a different picture for the average traveler. The "5G headline" is a powerful branding tool, but for most travel tasks—navigating unfamiliar cities, checking real-time flight statuses, or uploading high-resolution photos to the cloud—4G LTE consistency is the true determinant of a seamless experience. Understanding this distinction is critical when selecting your New Zealand eSIM data allowance, as it directly impacts how you perceive value versus actual utility.

The Hidden Cost of Network Prioritization

Local carriers in New Zealand, such as Spark, Vodafone, and 2degrees, are aggressively expanding their 5G footprints in major urban centers like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. However, this expansion is not without trade-offs. Network engineers must manage load balancing, and in many cases, legacy 4G traffic is deprioritized to ensure that premium 5G subscribers maintain their advertised speeds. This creates a subtle but significant risk for travelers: a local SIM that advertises "Unlimited 5G" may still subject you to aggressive throttling on the 4G bands that cover the majority of the country, including rural roads and smaller towns.

This dynamic makes the choice between a New Zealand eSIM 5GB vs 10GB comparison less about raw volume and more about the quality of the connection after you hit your high-speed cap. Here is where the "more is better" logic often fails. If you purchase a 10GB plan with a standard 128kbps Fair Use Policy (FUP) speed limit, the extra 5GB of data becomes largely symbolic. Once you exceed the high-speed threshold, your connection drops to a speed where loading a single map tile in Google Maps can take several seconds, and video calls become a slideshow. In this scenario, the additional data is effectively "dead weight" because it is unusable for any task requiring real-time responsiveness.

Why 384kbps Changes the Equation

This is precisely why the technical specifications of the fallback speed matter more than the headline data allowance. A 384kbps speed limit is 3x faster than the industry-standard 128kbps. This difference is not merely academic; it is the difference between a functional device and a frustrating one.

FeatureStandard 128kbps FUPMollySIM 384kbps FUPPractical Impact
Map LoadingSlow, frequent bufferingSmooth, near-instantCritical for navigation
Web BrowsingBasic text onlyImages load quicklyBetter for research
MessagingDelays in sending/receivingReal-timeReliable communication
PaymentsOccasional timeoutsSmooth transactionsApple Pay/Contactless works

MollySIM’s approach to this challenge is particularly strategic. By designing their New Zealand eSIM plans with a 384kbps Fair Use Policy, they ensure that even if you exceed your high-speed data cap, your connection remains robust enough for critical travel tasks. This is a game-changer for travelers who rely on their phones as their primary travel companion. You can still browse maps, check emails, and send messages smoothly without the frustration of waiting for pages to load. This consistency allows you to use your device with confidence, knowing that you won't be stranded with a "brick" in a remote area where 5G signals are non-existent.

Smart Planning Over Blind Volume

The lesson here is clear: avoiding data throttling in NZ is about smart planning, not just buying more data. When you evaluate your options, look beyond the gigabyte count. Ask yourself: What is the speed limit after I use my high-speed data? If the answer is 128kbps, you are accepting a risk that your connection will become sluggish at the worst possible time—perhaps when you are trying to find a hotel or navigate a complex intersection.

By choosing a provider that prioritizes a higher fallback speed, you are investing in reliability. This is especially true for those who travel internationally and want a single solution that works across borders. MollySIM’s consistent performance in New Zealand reflects a broader philosophy that scales across their global eSIM options, ensuring that whether you are in Auckland or Bangkok, your connection remains functional and fast.

In conclusion, the 5G hype is real, but the 4G reality is where your travel experience lives. By focusing on a New Zealand eSIM data allowance that offers a superior fallback speed, you ensure that your connectivity is as reliable as it is fast. This is the smart way to travel, ensuring that your technology supports your journey rather than hindering it.

Comparative Analysis: Local SIMs vs. Pocket Wi-Fi vs. eSIMs

Choosing the right connectivity solution for your trip requires more than just comparing price tags; it demands a deep dive into the structural differences between physical SIM cards, rental devices, and digital profiles. While all three options promise internet access, the mechanics of how they deliver that access—and what happens when you hit the limit—vary drastically. To make an informed decision, it is essential to understand the trade-offs between convenience, cost, and, most critically, speed consistency. The following table breaks down the core differences between the three primary methods of staying connected in Aotearoa, highlighting why the New Zealand eSIM data allowance often emerges as the most balanced choice for modern travelers.

Provider TypeTypical Data CapFUP/Throttling SpeedCost FlexibilityBest For
Local SIM (Spark, One NZ, 2degrees)5GB – 10GB (Prepaid)Often 128kbps or 256kbpsLow initial cost, but requires physical purchaseLong-term stays, heavy data users without speed sensitivity
Pocket Wi-Fi (Rental Devices)"Unlimited" (Fair Use applies)Varies, often 1Mbps – 3MbpsHigh daily rental fees + depositGroups of 3+ people, heavy video streaming
eSIM (e.g., MollySIM)Transparent caps (e.g., 5GB, 10GB, 20GB)384kbps (3x faster than standard)High flexibility, instant activation, no physical feesSolo travelers, couples, business travelers, road trippers

The Local SIM Dilemma: Physical Friction and Hidden Limits

Local SIM cards from major carriers like Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees have long been the default for budget-conscious travelers. However, the experience is often marred by logistical friction. You must physically visit a store, present your passport, and wait for activation. More importantly, the "unlimited" or large data plans frequently come with a Fair Use Policy (FUP) that is not always transparently advertised at the point of sale.

Many local prepaid plans offer 5GB to 10GB of high-speed data. Once you exhaust this, your speed drops significantly. While some carriers drop to 1Mbps, others throttle down to 128kbps. At 128kbps, loading a standard webpage can take 10-15 seconds, and video calls become a pixelated struggle. If you are relying on your phone for navigation, banking, or work, this sudden drop in performance can be disruptive. Furthermore, if you lose your phone or it breaks, you are locked into a physical SIM that may be tied to a specific device or require a store visit to swap, adding a layer of complexity that digital solutions avoid.

Pocket Wi-Fi: The Cost of Convenience

Pocket Wi-Fi devices offer a different value proposition: shared connectivity. They are ideal for families or groups of three or more people who need to connect multiple tablets, laptops, and phones simultaneously. The data is often marketed as "unlimited," which is appealing for heavy video streaming.

However, the costs add up quickly. You are typically paying a daily rental fee (often $10–$15 NZD per day) plus a deposit. For a two-week trip, this can easily exceed $200–$300 NZD, not counting the data overage fees if you exceed the fair use threshold. Additionally, you are carrying a physical device that must be charged daily and returned in good condition. The risk of losing the device, or having it stolen, adds a financial liability that is absent with eSIMs. While the speed is generally decent, the bulkiness and the daily financial commitment make it less attractive for solo travelers or couples who can manage their data usage efficiently.

The eSIM Advantage: Predictability and Speed

This is where eSIMs shine, particularly when comparing the New Zealand eSIM data allowance options. eSIMs eliminate the physical SIM card, allowing you to activate your plan instantly via a QR code. There is no store visit, no deposit, and no device to lose.

The critical differentiator, however, is the Fair Use Policy. Many global eSIM providers throttle users down to 128kbps after the high-speed data is used. MollySIM, for instance, offers a significantly more robust fallback speed of 384kbps. This is 3x faster than the standard 128kbps limit found with many competitors. Why does this matter? At 384kbps, you can still:

This level of consistency is crucial for travelers who rely on their devices for work or navigation. It means that even after you hit your data cap, your phone remains a functional tool rather than a digital brick. For those planning a NZ road trip, where you might be in remote areas with spotty 5G coverage, this reliable 4G fallback ensures you stay connected.

If you are looking for a plan that balances cost, coverage, and speed consistency, we recommend exploring the specific New Zealand eSIM plans available at MollySIM. By choosing a provider that prioritizes a higher fallback speed, you are investing in reliability. This is especially true for those who travel internationally and want a single solution that works across borders. MollySIM’s consistent performance in New Zealand reflects a broader philosophy that scales across their global eSIM options, ensuring that whether you are in Auckland or Bangkok, your connection remains functional and fast.

In the end, the best data plan for NZ is not the one with the most gigabytes, but the one that keeps you connected at a usable speed. By focusing on a New Zealand eSIM data allowance that offers a superior fallback speed, you ensure that your connectivity is as reliable as it is fast. This is the smart way to travel, ensuring that your technology supports your journey rather than hindering it.

Strategic Data Planning: The Cost-Saving Approach for Road Trips

Many travelers fall into the trap of "data hoarding," assuming that the best data plan for NZ road trip requires the largest possible data allowance. This is a costly misconception. In reality, the most efficient strategy is precise calculation rather than blind over-purchasing. By accurately estimating your consumption, you can select a New Zealand eSIM data allowance that fits your actual needs, saving money and avoiding the decision fatigue of choosing between unnecessarily large packages.

Step-by-Step Guide to Calculating Your Ideal Allowance

To determine exactly how much data you need, follow this five-step framework. This method ensures you are not paying for gigabytes you will never touch, while still maintaining a robust connection.

Step 1: List Your Daily Digital Activities

Identify the specific tasks you will perform every day. For a typical road trip, this usually includes:

Step 2: Estimate Data Usage Per Activity

Assign a realistic data cost to each activity. Here are standard estimates:

Step 3: Multiply by Days of Trip

Take your estimated daily total and multiply it by the number of days you will be in New Zealand.

Step 4: Add a 20% Buffer for Unexpected Usage

Travel is unpredictable. You might need to download a large map offline, send a large photo to a friend, or use your phone as a hotspot for a brief moment. Adding a 20% buffer ensures you never run out of data at a critical moment.

Step 5: Choose a Plan That Fits This Total

Select a plan that covers your calculated total. Crucially, ensure the Fair Use Policy (FUP) is generous enough for your basic tasks. This is where the quality of the provider matters more than the quantity of data.

The 10-Day Road Trip Example: Why 3GB is Enough

Let’s apply this logic to a common scenario: a 10-day road trip across New Zealand.

ActivityDaily Estimate10-Day Total
Navigation (4 hrs/day)400 MB4 GB
Social Media (1 hr/day)150 MB1.5 GB
Email & Messaging10 MB0.1 GB
Subtotal560 MB5.6 GB
20% Buffer112 MB1.12 GB
Total Recommended672 MB6.72 GB

Note: If you are not streaming video or using your phone as a hotspot for a laptop, your actual usage will be significantly lower. Many travelers find that 3GB is sufficient for 10 days if they are mindful of background updates and avoid HD video streaming. A 5GB or 10GB plan is often unnecessary and more expensive.

Why Avoiding Throttling Beats Buying Excess Data

The primary keyword New Zealand eSIM data allowance is not just about the number of gigabytes; it is about the quality of the connection and the predictability of the experience. Buying a 10GB plan from a provider with a poor Fair Use Policy (FUP) can be worse than buying a 3GB plan from a provider with a superior FUP.

Many budget eSIM providers throttle your speed to 128 kbps once you hit your data cap. At this speed, loading a webpage can take minutes, and apps like Google Maps or Apple Pay may struggle to load, causing frustration during a road trip.

MollySIM takes a different approach. Their New Zealand eSIM plans feature a 384 kbps fallback speed, which is 3x faster than the industry standard 128 kbps. This means that even if you use up your high-speed data, you can still:

This transparency and reliability ensure that your device remains a functional tool, not a digital brick. By choosing a provider that prioritizes a higher fallback speed, you invest in reliability rather than just raw data volume.

For more tips on managing data usage and maximizing your connectivity, explore our comprehensive travel data guides. Whether you are planning a short city break or a long road trip, understanding your New Zealand eSIM data allowance needs is the key to a stress-free journey.

Final Verdict: Choosing the Right New Zealand eSIM Data Allowance in 2026

Selecting the correct connectivity solution for your trip requires looking beyond the marketing gloss of "unlimited" or "high-speed" labels. As we have analyzed throughout this guide, the landscape of mobile data in New Zealand is defined by two critical, often conflicting factors: the hidden mechanics of Fair Use Policies (FUPs) and the misleading nature of 5G hype. For the modern traveler, the goal is not to chase the highest possible speed in a city center, but to secure a predictable, consistent connection that holds up across the diverse terrains of the North and South Islands.

The Reality of Local SIMs vs. eSIM Transparency

One of the most significant risks travelers face when opting for local SIM cards or opaque eSIM providers is the hidden FUP trap. While a local carrier may advertise a generous data allowance, their terms and conditions often contain a "fair use" clause that throttles your speed to 128 kbps once you exceed a certain threshold. At 128 kbps, your smartphone effectively becomes a basic communication tool. Loading a single webpage can take upwards of ten seconds, video calls become pixelated and laggy, and critical apps like Google Maps may fail to update your location in real-time. This is particularly dangerous during a road trip through remote areas like the West Coast or Fiordland, where signal strength is already variable.

In contrast, MollySIM distinguishes itself by offering a 384 kbps fallback speed. This is not a marginal improvement; it is 3x faster than the industry-standard 128 kbps limit. This specific technical advantage is the difference between a functional device and a digital brick. With a 384 kbps connection, you can still:

This level of reliability ensures that even if you consume your high-speed data, your device remains a powerful tool for navigation, safety, and connectivity.

Right-Sizing Your Data Allowance

The most common mistake travelers make is buying the largest data plan available, assuming that more data equals better value. In reality, the best New Zealand eSIM data allowance is one that is right-sized to your actual usage patterns. If you are staying in Auckland for three days, relying on hotel Wi-Fi for heavy tasks, and using your phone primarily for maps and social media, a 5GB plan is likely sufficient. Conversely, if you are streaming video on a long train ride from Christchurch to Queenstown, you may need more.

By choosing a plan that aligns with your specific itinerary, you avoid the psychological stress of "bill shock" or the sudden, jarring drop in speed that occurs when you hit a cap. This is where avoiding data throttling in NZ becomes less about technical specs and more about strategic planning. A transparent provider allows you to monitor your usage in real-time, ensuring you never get caught off guard by a speed reduction.

Why Consistent 4G Beats Hype 5G

While 5G is the buzzword of 2026, its coverage in New Zealand is still concentrated in urban centers. For the majority of your trip—especially if you are exploring the rugged landscapes of New Zealand—you will be relying on 4G LTE. A provider that optimizes its network for consistent 4G speeds, rather than promising 5G speeds that may not be available in your location, provides a superior user experience. The key is predictability. You want to know that whether you are in a bustling café in Wellington or a quiet motel in Rotorua, your connection will perform consistently.

Final Recommendations for Travelers

To ensure a seamless travel experience, we recommend the following approach:

  1. Audit Your Usage: Estimate your daily data needs based on your activities (maps, streaming, social media).
  2. Check the FUP: Always verify the fallback speed. A 384 kbps limit is significantly more usable than 128 kbps.
  3. Choose Transparency: Opt for providers that offer clear, real-time data usage tracking.
  4. Prioritize Reliability: Select a provider with a strong reputation for network stability across both the North and South Islands.

By focusing on these factors, you can eliminate the anxiety of connectivity and focus on what truly matters: the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand. Whether you are hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or cruising the Milford Sound, your phone should be a helpful companion, not a source of stress.

Take the Next Step

Ready to secure your connectivity for 2026? Don’t let hidden throttling or misleading data caps ruin your journey. Explore our curated New Zealand eSIM plans to find the perfect fit for your itinerary, or consider our global eSIM options if you are extending your trip to other destinations. With the right data allowance and a reliable provider, you can disconnect from the worries of your phone’s speed and fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Aotearoa.

Frequently Asked Questions about New Zealand eSIM data allowance

How much data do I need for a 2-week trip to New Zealand?

For a 2-week trip with moderate usage, 10-15GB is usually sufficient. Heavy streamers or hotspot users should consider 20GB+ or a plan with a higher FUP threshold.

What happens if I run out of data on my New Zealand eSIM?

You will typically be throttled to a low speed (often 512kbps or lower) or charged extra per MB, depending on the provider. MollySIM offers transparent FUP limits to avoid surprise slowdowns.

Is 5G speed necessary for mobile navigation in New Zealand?

No, 4G LTE is perfectly adequate for real-time navigation and maps. 5G is mainly beneficial for quick downloads and video streaming in major cities like Auckland or Wellington.

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