Understanding Broadband Types

A comprehensive guide to internet technologies in New Zealand

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Quick Overview

Fibre
Fastest speeds
Most reliable
87% coverage
VDSL
Copper based
Up to 70Mbps
Being phased out
Wireless
No wiring needed
Rural coverage
Weather dependent
Satellite
Remote areas
100% coverage
Higher latency

Fibre Broadband

Fibre Technology

Advantages

  • • Fastest available speeds
  • • Highly reliable
  • • Low latency
  • • Future-proof
  • • Symmetric speeds
  • • Weather resistant

Limitations

  • • Installation required
  • • Not available everywhere
  • • Higher initial cost
  • • Physical cable needed

Available Plans

Plan Type Speed Best For Price Range
Fibre 100 100/20 Mbps Small households $75-85
Fibre 300 300/100 Mbps Family homes $85-95
Fibre Max 900/400 Mbps Power users $95-115
Hyperfibre 2000-8000 Mbps Business/Enterprise $150-250

VDSL/ADSL

Copper Technology

VDSL

  • • Up to 70Mbps down
  • • Up to 20Mbps up
  • • Distance dependent
  • • Wide availability

ADSL

  • • Up to 24Mbps down
  • • Up to 1Mbps up
  • • Legacy technology
  • • Being phased out

Fixed Wireless

Wireless Technology

4G/5G Fixed Wireless

  • • 20-200 Mbps speeds
  • • No wiring needed
  • • Quick installation
  • • Good for rural areas
  • • Mobile backup options

Considerations

  • • Weather dependent
  • • Line of sight needed
  • • Distance affects speed
  • • Network congestion
  • • Data caps common

Satellite

Satellite Technology

Advantages

  • • Available anywhere
  • • No ground infrastructure
  • • Good speeds (50-500 Mbps)
  • • Improving technology

Limitations

  • • Higher latency
  • • Weather sensitive
  • • Higher cost
  • • Installation complexity

Speed Comparison

Technology Comparison

Technology Download Upload Latency Reliability
Fibre 100-8000 Mbps 20-8000 Mbps 2-5ms Excellent
VDSL Up to 70 Mbps Up to 20 Mbps 10-20ms Good
4G Fixed Wireless 20-200 Mbps 10-50 Mbps 20-40ms Variable
Satellite 50-500 Mbps 10-50 Mbps 20-600ms Weather dependent

Choosing the Right Technology

Best Choice By Scenario

Choose Fibre If:

  • • It's available in your area
  • • You need fast, reliable internet
  • • You have multiple users
  • • You stream 4K content or game online

Choose Fixed Wireless If:

  • • Fibre isn't available
  • • You're in a rural area
  • • You need quick installation
  • • You want flexibility

Choose Satellite If:

  • • You're in a remote location
  • • Other options aren't available
  • • You need reliable backup
  • • Budget isn't primary concern

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fibre always the best choice?

While fibre offers the best performance, it's not always available or necessary. Consider your usage needs, location, and budget when choosing technology.

What about 5G home broadband?

5G home broadband can offer fibre-like speeds wirelessly, but availability is currently limited. It's a good option where available, especially for quick setup or as a backup connection.

When will copper be phased out?

Copper services are being gradually phased out as fibre coverage expands. Most areas will transition by 2025, with some rural areas maintaining copper services longer.

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