Broadband speeds

Just like power, we keep broadband simple.

Check out our info on speeds and some tips to get the most from your connection.

Average peak time speeds

Our broadband price plans show peak time average speeds in line with the latest Commerce Commission MBNZ report and our internal data (for the Sweet Fibre plan).

These averages will be updated accordingly when newer figures are released.

Your speeds

The national averages are based on times when the network is busiest. You may experience higher or lower speeds, depending on network load and other factors.

A wired ethernet connection is recommended for best results.

What affects my connection?

Besides network load during peak times, here are a few things that can impact your speeds:

  1. Distance from your router: The closer you are the better, Wi-Fi can only reach so far. Things like hot water cylinders, solid walls and anything containing metal can also get in the way.
  2. Number of connections: The more devices connected to your Wi-Fi, the less bandwidth is available. When you can, connect devices via Ethernet cable to free up more Wi-Fi for mobile devices.
  3. Interference from other appliances: Stuff like microwaves, cordless phones, Bluetooth speakers and even baby monitors can affect your signal.
  4. Quality of router: You’re likely to have better speeds when using a newer device, like our Netgear Orbi RBR350 modem. If you’re still using your old router from a previous provider, this could be the issue.
  5. Position of router: If you can, place your router up high somewhere in the middle of your house. A single modem behind a desk or in a cupboard won't give as strong a signal.
  6. Your devices: Some older phones, computers & tablets have trouble processing high-speed broadband. It also pays to check things like your operating system, anti-virus software and web browser is up to date.

Internet options in NZ

With all the internet options out there, it can get a little confusing. Here's a breakdown of some of what's available, and where our plans fit in:

  • ADSL: Fazed out for the majority of households due to low speeds, but still relatively common in rural areas. Due to physical limitations, the highest-performing ADSL lines will never achieve download speeds higher than 25 Mbps.
  • VDSL: Can range in performance: some lines will achieve download/upload speeds indistinguishable from ADSL, whereas a small proportion of lines will achieve speeds comparable with Fibre 300.
  • Fixed Wireless: Can offer higher download speeds than ADSL, but on average slower speeds than VDSL. Also likely to experience higher latencies due to using cellular technology. Lower download/upload speeds and more frequent dropouts than fibre.
  • Fibre 300 (Our Sweet Fibre plan): Supports latency-sensitive applications like online gaming as well as data-heavy applications such as Ultra HD streaming with multiple users or video conferences with a large number of participants. Fibre 300 will cover most users’ requirements.
  • Fibre Max (Our Sweet As Fibre plan): Higher download and upload speeds than Fibre 300. Fibre 300 will support all modern internet applications and multi-user households, so Fibre Max is still only recommended in cases where there is a genuine need for more bandwidth e.g. frequently uploading or downloading large files.
  • The rest: We've focused on the most common choices. However, some other providers offer things like Fibre 30, Fibre 50, Fibre 200, HFC 200, cable, as well as business and satellite packages.

Having trouble?

If you have any issues with your broadband, feel free to get in touch with us on live chat.