Broadband join FAQs
You'll need to provide us with a few basic details about your property and which plan you'd like to sign up for. It's quick, easy and your broadband will be changed over within a few days. Just make sure to check you're not locked into any contracts with your current provider.
We offer a “naked” broadband service without a landline included.
> Sweet Lite Fibre is perfect for small households that do some internet browsing, check emails, and light streaming.
> Sweet Fibre is a great in between for medium-sized households, where a few users can comfortably browse, check emails, and stream at the same time.
> Sweet As Fibre is for heavy users or households with movie buffs or people who download a lot. If that's your household, Sweet As Fibre is your best bet.
For more details on each plan including the most up to date average peak time speeds, see our broadband page.You'll want to make sure it supports DHCP authentication and VLAN tagging (this info will be available in the modem documentation or via the manufacturer if you're not sure).
Keep in mind we may not be able to help with any issues if you use your own modem - there are too many out there to support all of them! Try getting in touch with the manufacturer if you need a hand with your specific modem.
4G wireless modems from Skinny, Spark or Vodafone unfortunately won't work with Electric Kiwi broadband.
Any fibre modem from BigPipe, Skinny, ZeroNet, My Republic, or a Fritzbox from 2Degrees will need to be manually configured.
If your modem is compatible and isn't connecting automatically, you'll need to update the configuration of your modem with the settings below.
For a manual set up, make sure the modem is configured with these settings:
- WAN Connection Type: DHCP (Automatic IP/Dynamic IP/IP over Ethernet)
- 802.1Q: Enabled
- VLAN ID (802.1Q): 10
- 802.1P (Priority): 0
- IP Version: IPv4 or IPv6
- MTU Size: 1492 or 1500
- NAT: Enabled
There's a bit more in the way of info on our BYOD page.
There is an extra charge of $150 for a mesh Wi-Fi unit, and it will be sent to you by courier ASAP. The charge will appear on your Electric Kiwi bill. Depending on which modem you currently have, take a look at our dedicated mesh unit set up guide for either Netcomm or Orbi for more details.
If you leave before then, you can choose to pay out the difference and keep your modem, or send it back to us at no extra cost. You will have 30 days to return the modem once we have provided you the courier bag before the outstanding balance is applied to your bill.
The earliest connection date you can select is 5 days from today's date - this allows for shipping.
Bringing your own device:
You can often be connected as soon as within 1 business day. This is based on various factors, e.g. your local fibre company - so check in with the team to confirm.
Broadband account FAQs
If you are transferring the service to another provider, we recommend you confirm your new connection date with your new provider and then let us know so we can terminate your service with us on that date to ensure continuity of service.
To do this, follow the below steps after manually logging into your Orbi router:
- Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Port Forwarding/Port Triggering.
- Leave the Port Forwarding radio button selected as the service type.
- In the Service Name menu, select the service name.
- For the ServerIP Address field, enter the IP address of the computer that will provide the service, then click the "add" button.
- Click the "add custom service" button. The Ports - Custom Services page will display.
- In the Protocol menu, select the protocol. If you are unsure, select TCP/UDP.
- In the External Port range field, enter the port numbers, and then the "add" button.
We recommended that you download the app if you can, as it's generally much easier to set up this way (and easier for the team to help with any potential issues in future if you need it).
If needed, you can complete the set up and change your password via your web browser. Just follow these steps:
- Connect to Orbi Wi-Fi – On your device, go to your network settings and connect to the Orbi Wi-Fi name (even if it shows "no internet" — that’s okay for now).
- Open your browser – Launch a web browser like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.
- Visit the Orbi login page – In the address bar, type either "192.168.1.1" or "orbilogin.net" and press Enter.
- Start manual setup – You should land on the Netgear page. Look for and click: "If you don't have a compatible smartphone, click here" — this will begin the manual setup.
- Welcome screen – Accept the terms and click Next.
- Internet check – Your Orbi will automatically check the internet connection. Click Next.
- Skip satellite setup – Choose to skip setting up satellites for now (you can do this later via the app). Click Next.
- Create admin account – Set a secure admin password and two security questions. Click Next.
- Wi-Fi settings – You can customise your Wi-Fi name and password now, or leave the default settings (shown on a sticker on the bottom of your Orbi device). Click Next.
- Configure – Your Orbi will now configure your connection. Once complete, click Next.
- Firmware update – Orbi will check for updates. You can update now or skip and do it later via the app (updating is recommended). Click Next.
- Final checks – Let Orbi finish a few last checks.
- Optional: Netgear account – You can sign in, create an account, or choose to skip this step. If skipping, click the X in the top right corner to close.
Your Orbi should now be set up and ready to use. Open a new browser tab and try searching something like "weather" or "news" on Google. You can also test other apps to confirm your connection is working properly.