What is Unlimited Broadband?
Complete guide to unlimited broadband in New Zealand - data caps, fair use policies, and which providers offer truly unlimited internet.
Quick Answer
Unlimited broadband means no monthly data caps or usage limits. In New Zealand, all major home broadband providers offer truly unlimited data with no throttling or extra charges. You can stream, download, and browse as much as you want.
Unlimited vs Capped Broadband
✅ Unlimited Broadband
- No monthly data limits
- No speed throttling
- No overage charges
- Peace of mind usage
Standard in NZ home broadband
⚠️ Capped Broadband
- Monthly data allowance (e.g., 100GB)
- Speed reduced when limit reached
- Extra charges for excess data
- Need to monitor usage
Rare in NZ home broadband
Which NZ Providers Offer Unlimited Broadband?
| Provider | Truly Unlimited | Fair Use Policy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spark | Yes | None | True unlimited on all home broadband plans |
| Vodafone | Yes | None | Unlimited data on all SuperFibre plans |
| 2degrees | Yes | None | Unlimited broadband standard across all plans |
| Skinny | Yes | None | Unlimited data using Spark network |
| Orcon | Yes | None | Unlimited on fiber and VDSL plans |
How Much Data Do You Actually Use?
Typical Data Usage by Activity
Web browsing & email
Basic internet use
1-2 GB per month
HD video streaming
Netflix, TVNZ+, YouTube
3 GB per hour
4K video streaming
Ultra HD content
7 GB per hour
Video calling
Zoom, Teams, Skype
500 MB per hour
Online gaming
Multiplayer gaming
40-300 MB per hour
Music streaming
Spotify, Apple Music
150 MB per hour
Software downloads
Games, applications, updates
1-50 GB per download
Real-World Example
A family of 4 with moderate usage (2 hours Netflix daily, work from home, gaming, browsing) typically uses 300-500GB per month.
With unlimited broadband, they never worry about data limits or unexpected charges.
Benefits of Unlimited Broadband
No Bill Shock
Fixed monthly cost with no surprise overage charges or data fees.
Stream Freely
Watch Netflix, YouTube, and other services without counting data usage.
Work From Home Ready
Video calls, file uploads, and cloud sync without data worries.
Family Peace of Mind
Kids can learn online, stream, and game without hitting data limits.
Software Updates
Download games, apps, and system updates without restriction.
Future-Proof
Ready for new technologies and increasing household data needs.
Unlimited Broadband FAQ
What is unlimited broadband?
Unlimited broadband means no monthly data caps or usage limits on your internet connection. You can download, stream, and browse as much as you want without extra charges or speed throttling. All major NZ providers offer unlimited home broadband.
Is unlimited broadband really unlimited in New Zealand?
Yes, all major NZ broadband providers offer true unlimited data on home plans with no data caps, throttling, or fair use policies. This includes Spark, Vodafone, 2degrees, Skinny, and others. Mobile broadband may have different terms.
What's the difference between unlimited and capped broadband?
Unlimited broadband has no data limits - use as much as you want. Capped broadband has monthly data allowances (like 100GB), and you pay extra or get slower speeds when you exceed the limit. Capped plans are rare in NZ now.
Do unlimited broadband plans have fair use policies?
Most major NZ providers don't have fair use policies on home broadband. However, some may have terms about excessive commercial use. Mobile broadband and rural satellite services may have different policies.
How much data does the average household use?
The average NZ household uses 200-400GB per month, but heavy streaming families can use 1TB+. With 4K streaming, multiple devices, and work-from-home, unlimited is essential for most households today.
Can I get unlimited broadband in rural areas?
Yes, fiber and VDSL in rural areas typically offer unlimited data. Rural broadband (RBI) and satellite options may have different terms. 5G home broadband is expanding to rural areas with unlimited plans available.
Ready for Unlimited Broadband?
Compare unlimited plans from all major NZ providers and find your perfect match