When selecting a broadband plan, consider which category your usage falls into, taking in to account your future usage needs.

Heavy use

Email, web browsing, social media and frequent media streaming, larger file uploads and downloading in addition to multiple device usage.

Medium use

Email, web browsing, social media, some media streaming, gaming and file downloading.

Light use

Email, web browsing, social media.

Fibre broadband uses fibre-optic cable to deliver 'ultra-fast broadband' (UFB) to New Zealand.

Fibre cable delivers broadband speeds up to 20 times faster than the copper network. With fibre you can use multiple devices at the same time without any loss of quality or buffering. Unlike copper lines, fibre performance doesn’t degrade over distance. This means that no matter how near or far you are from the exchange, the speed is consistent.

Learn more about fibre

• Why switch to fibre
• Learn how to connect to fibre
• Find out when fibre broadband will be available at your place

VDSL

VDSL (Very high bit rate digital subscriber line) is a newer technology which also uses copper telephone wires, but delivers a faster connection speed. It was developed to support the high bandwidth requirements of high definition TV (HDTV), streaming and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) connections.

ADSL

ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) is widely available and used by most New Zealanders today. It uses copper telephone wires for transmitting data, audio and video at a high bandwidth. Unlike dial-up, with ADSL you can make telephone calls and use the internet simultaneously.

Copper broadband speeds

Find out the broadband speed available in your area using the National Broadband Map. Chorus also provide a check your broadband connection service on their website.

All mobile phone networks currently support 3G technology and 4G technology. The 5G network will begin to be rolled out in New Zealand in 2020.

Mobile broadband can be accessed through smart phones, tablets and laptops. The speed of access is dependent on the technology used by the network and the strength of the mobile signal when it is in use.

It is best for light to medium use.

You can also use cable, satellite, wireless broadband and public WiFi to access the internet.

Cable

This type of broadband uses a cable installed into your home rather than telephone lines. It provides faster speeds than ADSL and VDSL.

Cable supports high bandwidth requirements. Service providers offer different packages at different speeds, depending on your requirements.

Cable is only available within the areas of Wellington, Christchurch and Kapiti. Use the National Broadband Map to check whether you can get cable at your address.

Satellite

Broadband is delivered via a satellite to a dish on or near the consumer's home. It is useful in remote locations though reception can depend on weather conditions and natural obstructions such as hills. It is best for light to medium use.

Wireless Broadband

Wireless broadband, also known as Fixed Wireless, enables home and business users to obtain high-speed data access through the airwaves, without relying on any physical connection.

Typically, wireless broadband devices connect over cellular networks, but other technologies such as radio waves can be used, dependent on network provider and local coverage area.

Wireless broadband is recommended as an upgrade from a standard ADSL broadband connection, in areas which have sufficient cellular coverage and capacity, or coverage from a local wireless network over radio frequencies.

Public WiFi

Public WiFi better known as hotspots are offered by a range of providers including cafes and councils. Hotspots are usually located in busy areas such as airports, train stations and other public places. Each hotspot only covers a small area. Public WiFi can be accessed through smart phones, tablets and laptops. It is best for light to medium use.