Fibre basics
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ADSL / VDSL
This is the original broadband transmission technology - copper. The Copper network is currently being withdrawn nationwide, now that improved alternative technologies are available for kiwis. This offers an entry level experience for broadband, and is suitable for basic connectivity needs such as browsing the internet and emails.
Fixed wireless
This is broadband delivered wirelessly over 4G and 5G mobile networks. Its delivered from your nearest cellular network tower, which capacity is shared between standard mobile users and other fixed wireless homes in the area. If too many people are online at the same time, connection quality can be affected. Fixed Wireless supports most online activities including streaming, web browsing, emails and more.
Fibre Starter
This is the entry level experience for broadband delivered over fibre optic networks. With speeds of up to 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload, it’s perfect for activities like web browsing, checking email, and streaming video. While it offers lower speeds than our other fibre options, Fibre Starter still outperforms traditional copper-based connections, delivering a more reliable and responsive online experience; all at an affordable price. With improved stability and reliability, Fibre Starter is great for video calls.
Fibre
Unlike other technologies fibre broadband allows for different download and upload speed options. The two most common: up to 500Mbps Download with 100Mbps upload, and up to 900Mbps download with 500Mbps upload. Fibre easily supports everything you want to do online with better capacity, more reliability and faster speeds than VDSL and Fixed Wireless Broadband.
Hyperfibre
Hyperfibre is our fastest-ever broadband, with speeds of up to 4 Gbps. Perfect for power users, smart homes, and businesses that rely on cloud tools, video, and large data transfers.
Not all broadband is created equal. Before you choose a plan with your broadband provider it’s good to understand the difference between the technologies and connection types available.
Compare | ADSL/VDSL | Fixed wireless | LEO Satellite | Fibre Starter | Fibre | Hyperfibre |
Typical speeds | Up to 60 / 15Mbps | Up to 60 / 20Mbps | Up to 400 / 40Mbps | Up to 100 / 20Mbps | Up to 900 / 500Mbps | Up to 4000/4000Mbps |
Great for | Streaming video, video calling with apps like Zoom, uploading large files. | Web browsing, emailing, video streaming. | Streaming ultra-high-definition video, video calling with apps like Zoom, uploading large files, gaming. | Entry level fibre connection. Great for web browsing, email and basic video streaming in small to medium households. | A wide range of online activities, streaming ultra-high definition video, online gaming, video conferencing. | All online activity that standard fibre broadband supports but 40x faster and with much more data capacity. |
Devices | Up to 5 | 1–2 | 10+ | Up to 10 | 10+ | Unlimited |
Download** | ||||||
1 GB desktop app like Adobe Photoshop | 2 mins | 2 mins | 22 secs | 1 min 30 secs | 10 secs | 2 secs |
HD movie (4GB at 1080dpi) | 6 mins | 10 mins | 1 min 26 secs | 1 min | 9 secs | 9 secs |
25 GB game update | 60 mins | 60 mins | 9 mins | 36 mins | 4 mins | 32 secs |
50 GB game download | 2 hours | 2 hours | 18 mins | 1 hour 20 mins | 8 mins | 2 mins |
Potential for lag (Latency) | Likely | More Likely | Likely | Least Likely | Least Likely | Least Likely |
Potential buffering with UHD video streaming | Likely | More Likely | Likely | Least Likely | Least Likely | Least Likely |
Cost | $55–$110 | $45–$90 | $60–$160 | $60–$70 | $80–$150 | $120–$180 |
Average pricing source: Broadband Compare February 2026. Excludes modem, install and other variable costs.
Broadband Compare is New Zealand’s most comprehensive broadband comparison website. To choose from over 50 different fibre internet service providers
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