Guide to Choosing Fibre Broadband

Jul 28, 2023
Broadband
Eleonora
Fibre broadband connection with router for ultra fast upload speeds

Source: DepositPhotos

Are you tired of your slow copper wire internet? It's time for you to change that by adopting newer and better technology! A couple of fibre optic cables coupled with modern routers will enhance the speed and the quality of your connection at a cheaper price.

But how can you make an informed decision about this if you don't really know much about fibre networks and internet connection in general? Don't worry. We've got you covered!

In this article, you'll find a detailed guide to choosing fibre broadband packages that suit you perfectly!

What Is Fibre Broadband?

Fibre optic cables offering fastest speeds for demanding applications

Source: DepositPhotos

Before getting into how to choose the best fibre broadband package, let's see what exactly fibre broadband is in the first place.

Fibre broadband is an internet connection that uses fibre optic cables, much faster than your usual copper wires used by traditional ADSL broadband, to transmit data. This means that fibre broadband can provide faster download speeds, making it ideal for streaming HD video, gaming online, and downloading large packs of data.

On top of that, fibre broadband is much cheaper to manufacture, is a lot lighter and easier to transport and can resist extreme weather conditions far better than traditional copper wires. This is a great way of saving money on broadband connections for ordinary people.

Related: Does Fibre Internet Work Without Electricity?

How to Choose the Best Fibre Broadband

Choosing the best fibre broadband plan isn't the easiest thing to do, especially if you don't have the knowledge to back the decision up. You have to know what broadband is, how to measure your internet speed, what equipment is used and more.

However, just like with any other purchase, the secret is to answer three or four basic questions to grasp what you need.

What Broadband Speed Do I Need?

Person checking current broadband speed of fibre connection

Source: DepositPhotos

You should get a broadband speed according to your own needs. If you're working from an office, don't have too many activities online and want the internet for entertainment only, you won't need a 1 Gbps broadband package.

Also, depending on how many people live in your house, you should adjust your broadband speeds. For example, if you live alone with just one or two devices online simultaneously, you can go for a cheaper broadband package.

However, if you have a family of 5, all working and gaming online simultaneously, you'll probably want to consider a faster broadband connection. You might want an average of 350 Mbps download speed, as that will be enough bandwidth for a comfortable experience with a broadband connection.

Related: How Long for Fibre Broadband to Settle

Which Fibre Broadband Provider Is Right for Me?

There are a lot of broadband providers available in New Zealand. So, before settling for one of them, you need to compare their offers and choose the best option.

First and foremost, remember that not all broadband providers are available in your area, even if they're operating in your town. They might not have the infrastructure built yet, or your area might simply lack clients. Either way, check the provider's website to see if they offer service in your neighbourhood.

Make sure that the broadband provider offers the speed you want. Compare the price of the same broadband package from different providers and choose the cheapest or the most reliable one. If you don't have time, you'll be pleased to find out we did it for you! Check out our website and search for a comparison of the providers you want.

Also, look up their fibre network. Make sure that it is no older than 20 years old and that the provider is checking it often. The average speed you'll get in the end depends only on the quality of the fibre connections your provider has, so don't overlook it.

Another important thing to look for is great customer service. Read reviews of the provider's customer service before signing the contract. You can also make a phone call and see how responsive the technical support is.

Related: Fibre Broadband Installation Guide

What Other Factors Should I Consider?

Happy family on a video call using fibre broadband service

Source: Pexels.com

Besides the ones mentioned above, some other details can help you get the best deal in the end.

First of all, you should look for data caps. Some providers might impose a data cap, meaning you'll be charged extra if you exceed your monthly allowance. Before signing the contract, you should talk that through with your provider, as the fees for bandwidth above the data cap are high.

You should also remember that many fibre broadband plans have free extras you can choose from when signing the contract. For example, you can get a 500 Mbps broadband deal with the option of activating free TV streaming.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional things you might find useful when choosing the right broadband package for you and your family.

  1. Don't try to guess the speed you need right away. You can always go for a slower package and upgrade it later.
  2. When comparing broadband connection deals (for instance, fibre or 5G), always account for the installation costs. Some providers might have cheaper plans, but the installation cost will cover the difference and make the plan even more expensive.
  3. Don't hesitate to ask for discounts. Sometimes, students or schools might get great deals with big discounts. The same goes for seniors and low-income individuals.

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right fibre broadband plan seems like a hard thing to do, especially if you don't know how to compare broadband and what are the important things to consider when getting one. However, we hope this article will give you an inside view of how to choose them.

If you follow all the tips and tricks we described above, you'll probably end up with a great deal, with no data limits and faster speed.

And if you want to know more about fibre broadband and how it works, here are related resources you can check out:

+
Tea Edwards , 2024-03-25

I was a little hesitant to stay on the call when I first picked up but I’m glad I stayed until I did. Josua Legavai was the lovely lady taking care of me. She was so friendly, clear and helpful. She helped me understand everything I needed to and explained everything with great detail. I am still young and learning and have just moved into a new home with my son so I’m grateful she was able to help me today.

Zoe Pascoe , 2024-02-26

Highly recommend Jordan at Glimp, very professional and really good at her job! thank you for the help definitely saved me alot of time ready for our move thank you Jordan A+++++

Peter Allport , 2024-02-23

I'm so happy I asked Glimp for help, to find a service provider that suits our family's budget, without losing quality and unlimited data on both our mobile phones and broadband. Mele Falahola is a Comparison Specialist from Glimp and she was amazing from the beginning. Mele located the right service provider for our needs that will save us money!, fulfil our usage and more! compared to what we were using. My wife and I even asked for a comparison on our electricity bill. Mele responded immediately once she saw our monthly bills and compared it to another provider that not only do not required a contract to stick too (like the mobile and broadband provider Mele recommended) but their price per kWh was so much better! Which is why we changed that also. Thank you Mele and Glimp for your help. We can now look forward to our Christmas holiday in the Cook Islands from what we can now save. :-)