When it comes to fast internet, we have a whole lot of choices here in New Zealand. How do we find that one broadband plan that matches all our needs?
NZ internet runs up to an average speed of 14Mbps and can go up to 4Gbps if you’re connected to gig-speed broadband. Of course, speed varies depending on your chosen provider, internet plan, and location.
Major cities like Dunedin, Auckland, North Shore City, and Rotorua District get the fastest internet compared to other areas in the country, but that doesn’t exclude them from having poor connection. The national government, in partnership with major broadband companies, has rolled out its ultra fast broadband or UFB initiative to provide fibre speeds throughout NZ, including homes and businesses in rural areas.
What is UFB?
UFB is a collective project spearheaded by the Government with the objective of making internet connection more accessible to families and business owners outside fibre-connected areas. This is a major transition from copper wire connections to broadband internet.
What type of internet is offered in NZ?
Gig-speed Fibre
This is by far the fastest connection you can get if you’re in NZ. Chorus rolled out its Hyperfibre broadband just last year that promises up to 4gbps of internet or 4,000mbps. Those in Queenstown, Cromwell, and Wanaka were the first to experience this next-generation internet speed, and is believed to be available to around three million kiwis across the country.
Fibre
New Zealand’s transition from cable wire networks to fibre has changed the lives of many internet users especially businesses who require faster and reliable broadband. Over a million households and businesses scattered across NZ enjoy fibre connectivity. You can use this handy broadband map to know if you’re within the SFA and are eligible for a fibre connection.
Local Fibre Companies in NZ
Chorus covers larger areas in the country which includes Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin.
- Northpower Fibre – Local Fibre Company for Whangarei.
- Ultra-Fast Fibre – Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Tokoroa, Tauranga, New Plymouth, Hawera and Wanganui.
- Enable Networks – Christchurch (including Lincoln, Prebbleton and Rolleston) and Rangiora.
- Chorus – Ashburton, Auckland (including Pukekohe, Waiuku, Waiheke), Blenheim, Dunedin, Fielding, Gisborne, Greymouth, Invercargill, Kapiti (including Paekakariki, Raumati, Paraparaumu,Waikanae), Levin, Masterton, Napier & Hastings, Nelson, Oamaru, Palmerston North, Queenstown, Rotorua, Taupo, Timaru, Wellington (including Hutt City, Upper Hutt and Porirua) or Whakatane.
DSL
Copper wire broadband is the common network in NZ that uses established copper lines to bring DSL internet services. ISPs still offer this type of broadband to areas where fibre connections are not available.
Satellite broadband
Remote areas in NZ are mainly connected through satellite broadband for their internet and communications. It’s more expensive than other broadband products when considering installation costs and equipment.
Which internet is best for me?
Finding the best internet for you and your family depends on your need, budget, and number of users in the building. Always look for the best value for your money, and compare prices first before deciding on an internet plan.
Know your budget
How much are you willing to pay for the best internet? Broadband isn’t cheap in NZ, but you can save more by researching on the internet if you set your average monthly budget. Costs include installation and equipment, which can go around $100 at the least.
Learn about your internet
If you need an upgrade from DSL to Fibre, you can contact your LSP and inquire about fibre plans that are available. Fibre networks usually offer up to 100mbps for $50 to $100 a month for 12 months. This doesn’t include installation fees and hidden charges, so you first need to do your research on ISPs near where you live.
Compare plans
Most local ISPs offer almost the same services, especially around areas with a bigger population. They have plans for students, households and businesses that can go up to $150 a month or higher. If you’re living alone or renting an apartment with friends, you can opt for more affordable plans with unlimited data and free setup costs. The best way to find one is visit comparison sites where you can shop around for broadband plans. You don’t need to sign up or pay up front for prices, you just have to enter your address and find the best internet providers deals in your area.
If you’re moving houses or planning to move out of the city, you can head over to glimp for a FREE comparison of the best broadband plans. You’ll find fibre, DSL, and wireless options to compare wherever you are in NZ.
This post was brought to you by our friends at Glimp, helping you compare the best current deals across ALL of NZ’s leading providers.
