How to Choose Broadband in New Zealand
Complete step-by-step guide to selecting the perfect broadband plan for your household. Compare speeds, providers, and features to make the right choice.
Quick Answer
To choose broadband: 1) Count users and assess usage needs, 2) Select appropriate speed (50-900 Mbps), 3) Check availability at your address, 4) Compare providers and prices, 5) Consider features and extras, 6) Make your decision. Most NZ families need 100-300 Mbps fiber.
6-Step Broadband Selection Process
Assess Your Usage Needs
Determine how many people use internet and what they do online
- Count active internet users in your household
- List main activities: streaming, gaming, work, browsing
- Consider peak usage times when everyone's online
- Factor in smart devices and IoT equipment
Choose Your Speed
Select download/upload speeds based on your usage
- Basic (50-100 Mbps): 1-2 people, light usage
- Standard (100-300 Mbps): 3-4 people, streaming families
- Premium (300+ Mbps): 5+ people, heavy usage, 4K streaming
- Consider upload speeds for video calls and cloud backup
Check Availability
Verify which broadband types are available at your address
- Use provider coverage checkers online
- Fiber available to 87% of NZ addresses
- VDSL/ADSL in areas without fiber
- 5G home broadband in major cities
Compare Providers & Prices
Evaluate costs, contract terms, and included features
- Compare monthly costs across providers
- Check for setup fees and equipment costs
- Look at contract vs no-contract options
- Consider bundled services (mobile, streaming)
Review Features & Extras
Assess additional benefits and included services
- WiFi router quality and WiFi 6 support
- Streaming services (Netflix, Neon, etc.)
- Customer service and technical support
- Installation and setup assistance
Make Your Decision
Choose the best plan based on your priorities
- Prioritize speed vs price vs features
- Consider provider reputation and reviews
- Check for current promotions and deals
- Read the fine print on contracts
Speed Selection Guide by Household
| Household Size | Typical Usage | Recommended Speed | Best Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Person | Light browsing, email, HD streaming | 50-100 Mbps | Basic fiber or VDSL |
| Couple | Streaming, video calls, online shopping | 100-200 Mbps | Standard fiber |
| Small Family (3-4 people) | Multiple streams, gaming, work from home | 200-300 Mbps | Standard to fast fiber |
| Large Family (5+ people) | Heavy usage, multiple 4K streams, gaming | 300-900 Mbps | Fast or ultra-fast fiber |
Common Broadband Selection Mistakes
❌ Choosing speed based on price alone
✅ Solution: Consider your actual usage needs, not just the cheapest option
❌ Ignoring upload speeds
✅ Solution: Important for video calls, cloud backups, and content sharing
❌ Not checking availability first
✅ Solution: Verify what's available at your address before comparing plans
❌ Overlooking contract terms
✅ Solution: Read cancellation policies and price increase clauses
❌ Forgetting about setup costs
✅ Solution: Factor in installation fees, router costs, and activation charges
Broadband Decision Matrix
👥 Priority: Reliability
Choose: Fiber from major providers
Recommended: Spark, Vodafone
Speed: 100-300 Mbps
Consider: Customer service ratings
💰 Priority: Best Value
Choose: Budget-friendly providers
Recommended: Skinny, 2degrees
Speed: 100 Mbps sufficient
Consider: No-frills plans, annual costs
⚡ Priority: Performance
Choose: Maximum speed plans
Recommended: 900 Mbps fiber
Speed: 300-900 Mbps
Consider: Upload speeds, latency
Pre-Purchase Checklist
Broadband Selection FAQ
How do I choose the right broadband speed?
Count your household users and main activities. Basic users (1-2 people) need 50-100 Mbps. Families with streaming (3-4 people) need 100-300 Mbps. Heavy users (5+ people) or 4K streaming need 300+ Mbps. Consider peak usage when everyone's online simultaneously.
What's the best broadband provider in New Zealand?
The best provider depends on your location and needs. Spark has the largest network, Vodafone offers good mobile bundles, 2degrees provides competitive pricing. Check coverage at your address and compare plans, prices, and customer service reviews.
Should I choose fiber or ADSL broadband?
Choose fiber if available - it's faster (up to 900+ Mbps), more reliable, and future-proof. ADSL is slower (up to 24 Mbps) and being phased out. Only consider ADSL if fiber isn't available at your address.
How much should I pay for broadband in NZ?
Basic broadband costs $60-80/month, standard speeds $80-100/month, and premium speeds $100-130/month. Factor in setup fees ($0-300) and equipment costs. Compare total first-year costs, not just monthly prices.
Do I need a contract for broadband?
Contracts often provide better pricing and included benefits (like free routers or streaming services). No-contract plans cost $5-15 more monthly but offer flexibility. Choose contracts if you're confident in your provider choice.
How long does broadband installation take?
Fiber installation typically takes 2-4 weeks from order to connection. The actual installation appointment takes 2-4 hours. ADSL/VDSL can be faster if existing lines are suitable. Book early, especially during peak moving seasons.
Ready to Choose Your Broadband?
Use our comparison tool to find plans that match your needs and budget