Best ADSL Broadband Plans NZ
ADSL is currently the most common type of broadband found in Kiwi homes. However, with the rollout of fibre, more and more Kiwis are switching away from ADSL broadband. Soon enough, it will become the technology of the past. However, this does mean that it’s now easier to find the cheapest ADSL in NZ.
ADSL broadband splits into two types of speed - ADSL2+ and ADSL. ADSL2+ can deliver broadband speeds of up to 24Mbps to properties located within a 2km radius from a broadband cabinet. An ADSL internet plan is the slowest broadband connection available on the copper network. With an ADSL broadband plan, you will receive speeds of around 2Mbps - this is for distances up to 6km from the broadband cabinet.
Both ADSL2+ and ADSL are affected by how far away you are from the cabinet, the devices you are using, and the quality and age of your modem and home wiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is ADSL broadband?
ADSL broadband plans have been the standard in NZ for a long time and, depending on the quality of your lines, gives download speeds of up to 24Mbps and upload speeds of 1Mbps. The national average of the best ADSL plans is about 10Mbps download and 1Mbps upload. This is plenty for the basics like emailing, surfing the net and checking social networks.
How much faster is VDSL broadband?
Heaps faster! Even compared to the best ADSL plans in NZ, VDSL could get download speeds of up to 70Mbps and upload speeds up to 10Mbps. There are several factors involved, such as the condition of the copper cables and the distance from the nearest cabinet. For both VDSL and ADSL broadband plans, the closer you are to the cabinet – the better.
Should I choose VDSL or Ultra Fast Fibre? (Ultra Fast Broadband)
If you can get both at your address, then you should consider fibre. Unlike ADSL internet plans, fibre uses fibre optic cabling instead of copper, which means the speeds are more consistent and faster. Fibre is a little trickier to install than a copper connection, but it’s worth getting, even over the best ADSL plan.
How fast are the Ultra Fibre plans?
With Ultra Fibre 30, the service can deliver fibre speeds up to 30mbps downstream and 10mbps upstream. Ultra Fibre 100 can deliver Fibre speeds up to 100mbps downstream and 20mbps upstream. Ultra Fibre 200 can provide 200Mbps downstream and 20Mbps upstream. Ultra Fibre Gigatown can provide an amazing 1000Mbps downstream and 500Mbps upstream (only available in Dunedin).Actual speeds for fibre, VDSL, and ADSL internet plans will be affected by various factors including NZ and overseas networks, your modem and computer technology, internal home wiring and other environmental factors.
Standard Fibre Installation
The standard fibre installation should suit most New Zealand homes. It will require a technician from your Local Fibre Company to carry out work at your house. They will make sure you understand what's required and won't start any work unless you're happy with what's proposed.
It includes all the work needed to connect your home to the fibre running down the street, including:
- Installing the fibre cable from the street through to your home (up to 200m of cabling from the roadside curb to house).
- Installing and connecting the necessary equipment outside (the ETP) and inside (the ONT) your home.
- Making sure the fibre service is running and disconnecting the copper broadband connection to your home.
- Your Local Fibre Company staff will do their best to minimise any impact on grassed areas and if hard surfaces are affected, they will be resealed.
Non-standard installation
You'll need this if your house is more than 200m from the Fibre access point on the street. Or if you decide to install your fibre modem in a different place from the ONT and need additional wiring as a result.
The Local Fibre Company staff will let you know if your place needs a non-standard installation and what that's likely to cost before they start any work.
Getting the installation work done
You may need to allow a full day for the work to be done and you'll also need to be available on-site as the installation team will be working both inside and outside of your home.
Don't worry though. The installation team will make sure you understand what's required and they won't start any work unless you are happy with what's being proposed.
About glimp
glimp is a comparison website for utilities, such as broadband, power and gas. glimp has helped thousands of New Zealanders find the best broadband deals since January 2016. The glimp.co.nz broadband comparison and switching service is designed to help you save time and money by finding you the best broadband deal from the right provider at the best price.
