Whether you rent or own your home – a reliable and affordable broadband connection is vital.
Broadband allows you to stay connected, work from home, and access entertainment like streaming movies, TV shows, music or gaming. If you live in a shared flat then a good broadband connection that doesn’t fluctuate or buffer when more people connect is likely to be essential to a harmonious shared flat!
Each flat is likely to have a unique set of requirements for your broadband. If you live in a large shared flat you are likely to want a super-fast unlimited plan for multiple streamers and gamers. But if you are renting while you save to buy, you are likely to want to cheapest plan available to keep costs low.
What should I keep in mind when choosing a broadband plan for my flat?
Availability – what’s available where you live?
Your best broadband plan will depend on what’s available at your address and whether fibre or copper internet is available. Simply enter your address in our address checker for a comprehensive list of broadband plans available.
A minority of renters find themselves in a situation where fibre is available in their area, but not installed at their rental home. If you live in a home where you want to get fibre installed you will need to follow the consent process to get fibre installed.
If you can’t get consent to install fibre, you may need to consider an alternative connection type like ADSL or VDSL, or wireless internet.
Check your address
Contract length
Signing up for a 12-24 month contract can be a great way to get a low monthly rate for your broadband, but you often have to pay an expensive cancellation fee if you want to cancel the contract early. If you don’t have a 12-month tenancy at your rental property then a no-contract plan can be a good way to avoid cancellation fees if you have to move.
Add-on or perks
When comparing broadband plans, it is worth looking at any free inclusions or add-ones. These may be “standard” inclusions like free modem, free modem delivery, or free phone line. Broadband companies may also offer new customers deals that include free access to streaming services like Netflix, Neon or Lightbox. Some deals even include free items like free TVs, tablets, BBQs or more when you sign up.
Cost per month vs cost per year
It has become increasingly common for broadband companies to try to entice new customers with plans that include free or discounted months. For example, pay nothing for the first 3 or 4 months, or pay a lower rate for the first 6 months, then revert to a higher ‘standard’ monthly rate. This can make comparisons a bit more complicated as you need to compare low introductory rates and then the higher rate.
It can help to compare the cost per year rather than the cost per month if you are signing up for a 12 or 24-month plan. This can help ensure that you are getting a good deal across the lifespan of your contract.
Comparing the cost per year is simple when comparing with Broadband Compare. Enter the address in the address finder to view a list of plans available at your address. Then use the menu on the top right to change from “price per month” to “price per year” or “price per two years”.
Additional costs
Additional costs on your broadband plan may include a connection fee, termination fee, router rental or delivery, or additional homeline free.
Speed matters
The best broadband speed for your flat will depend on how many flatmates you have, how you use the internet, and what’s available in your area.
Are you in a large shared flat, with multiple people gaming, streaming content and surfing the net at the same time? Or is there just a couple of you streaming Netflix occasionally, and browsing the net? Here’s a comparison of how different broadband speeds shape up in real life.
Fibre broadband speeds will offer the fastest consistent connections speeds and should be considered a first choice for most people. If that’s not available VDSL connections are usually the next fastest, followed by ADSL broadband.
VDSL and ADSL broadband connections run over existing copper phone lines. The connection speed you receive will depend on how far from the exchange you are and how many other users are connected during peak times. If you are frustrated with your copper broadband speeds, you may be surprised to learn that Wireless or 4G broadband can perform as quickly as fibre in some areas.
Bundling power and broadband
Who wants to deal with flat admin? Bundling your power and broadband with one provider is a great way to streamline your flat admin. It means you only have one provider, one billing cycle and one point of contact for both services.
Cheapest broadband plans for flats on a budget
Unlimited Fibre 300
Unlimited Fibre 300 Plan for ONLY $...
from
$87.00
/mo
First 12 months then 97.00/month
300Mbps
100Mbps
Unlimited Fibre 300
Unlimited Fibre 300 Plan for ONLY $...
Sign up to Slingshot's 300Mbps Unlimited Fibre Plan and pay ONLY $87/month. T&Cs apply.
Sign up on a 12-month contract and pay only $87/month! Also, bundle your broadband and power and get $20/mth Bu...
Terms and Conditions apply
Full plan details
Contract options
12 months
Included features
Family filter
- Offer is available to new customers only.
- A minimum 12-month contract applies. Early Termination fee of $250 applies.
- Not available in conjunction with any other offer.
- Offer will revert to standard prices as advertised on Slingshot.co.nz after 12 months.
- The promotion is valid for a limited time only and is subject to change by Slingshot without notice.
- Free standard installation.
- Brand new Orbi Wi-Fi 6 Router is $5/month rental with a one-off $14.95 delivery charge or Bring your own device.
- Additional add on MESH Satellite units:
- 1 Satellite Unit ($5/month) - recommended for homes between 150 and 300sqm
- 2 Satellite Units ($10/month) - recommended for homes greater than 300sqm
- Modem to be returned if customer cancels.
- Refer to the Slingshot website for more FAQ`s regarding modems.
- Receive $5/m broadband discount for each mobile plan added - no more than 4 mobile plans on the new sign-up are allowed.
Slingshot Broadband Ts&Cs
Bundle Discount Terms & Conditions
Sign up to Slingshot's 300Mbps Unlimited Fibre Plan and pay ONLY $87/month. T&Cs apply.
Sign up on a 12-month contract and pay only $87/month! Also, bundle your broadband and power and get $20/mth Bundle Discount on Broadband! Get an extra $5/mth off your broadband price for each active mobile plan you bundle with broadband. BYO router or rent a brand new Orbi Wi-Fi 6 router for $5/month.
Full plan details
Terms and Conditions apply
Unlimited Fibre 300
Get 1 month FREE Unlimited Broadban...
from
$0.00
/mo
First month then 80.00/month
300Mbps
100Mbps
Unlimited Fibre 300
Get 1 month FREE Unlimited Broadban...
Sign up to any Unlimited Broadband plan on a 12-month contract and get your first for free! Also, get a free standard connection and a free modem. Limited time offer only! Terms and Conditions apply. ...
Terms and Conditions apply
Full plan details
Contract options
12 months
Included features
Router
- The 1 month free broadband offer (“the offer”) applies to your first month base plan charges on your new Skinny Fixed Line account. The offer is only available to customers who do not currently purchase broadband from Skinny and have not had broadband with Skinny within the last 90 days. The offer is available for a limited time only.
- Offer applies to new Skinny customers signing up to any of the following plans, on a 12-month term:
- Unlimited ADSL
- Unlimited VDSL
- Unlimited Fibre 30
- Unlimited Fibre 100
- Unlimited Fibre 200 Cantab
- Unlimited Fibre Ultra
- The offer includes a free modem and standard broadband connection for ADSL, VDSL and fibre customers. Non-standard installation charges apply. Modem shipping and handling fee applies.
- If you leave Skinny before the end of your 12-month contract, an early exit fee of $199 will apply if you leave in the first 6 months and $99 of you leave in the second 6 months. The offer is subject to change without notice.
- The offer will be applied to your Skinny account as a credit for 100% of your base plan charges. The offer does not include any additional services which will be charged at full price, including during the first six months of your new Skinny plan.
- This offer may not be combined with any other “new customer” promotional offers. It may only be combined with other publicly available offers on the Skinny website (an “other offer”), provided you are eligible for the other offer at the date you sign up, the other offer is not a ‘new customer’ offer and the combination of the other offer and this offer is not prohibited in the terms of the other offer.
- Broadband not available everywhere and speeds vary. Local Fibre Company terms apply if you have a fibre connection. Skinny's General terms and Fixed Line terms apply to all Skinny broadband plans.
Sign up to any Unlimited Broadband plan on a 12-month contract and get your first for free! Also, get a free standard connection and a free modem. Limited time offer only! Terms and Conditions apply.
Full plan details
Terms and Conditions apply
Unlimited Fibre 300
Get $10/month off plus One NZ Super...
Get $10 monthly discount for the life of the plan when you sign up for an eligible Unlimited broadband plan. Also, get a wall-to-wall Wifi guaranteed with One NZ SuperWifi* (2 Deco X20 Mesh Wifi Nodes...
Terms and Conditions apply
Full plan details
Contract options
open term
Included features
BYO Router / WiFi Extender
Broadband:
•
Broadband not available everywhere. Residential use only. Non-standard installation charges may apply.
Terms apply.
SuperWifi Offer:
- Sign up to Unlimited Broadband, or Wireless Broadband 600GB 12 month term plan, to redeem your SuperWifi units.
- Wall-to-wall Wifi guaranteed or get $100 broadband credit within 90 days of redemption.
- Guarantee and $100 credit only available to residential customers.
- 24-month term applies to SuperWifi. Fees apply if you cancel or transfer your plan or billing account within 24 months.
- TP-link Deco App required. Coverage can be impacted by factors such as network conditions and environmental factors.
- Offer may be amended or withdrawn by One NZ at any time.
- SuperWifi terms apply
$10 Per Month For life of plan
- Offer only available to new customers, when signing onto a 12 month or open term Unlimited or Ultimate Home broadband Fibre100, FibreMax, VDSL, ADSL or HFC Max plan. Or who sign onto a 12 month 4G Wireless broadband 300GB, 600GB or unlimited 4G broadband or 5G broadband plan.
- Only applies to the standard monthly plan charge.
- Not available with other offers.
- Offer may be withdrawn at anytime.
- Full Promotional Terms and Conditions
BYO Modem offer - open term plans:
- Only available on One NZ open term Unlimited Fibre, VDSL and ADSL broadband plans.
- To see what modem compatibility is required, click here.
- Voice calling over broadband (VoIP) only available on One NZ Ultra Hub range, HG659 or newer One NZ modems.
- Broadband speeds and connection quality may be affected.
- BYO Modem T&C's
Get $10 monthly discount for the life of the plan when you sign up for an eligible Unlimited broadband plan. Also, get a wall-to-wall Wifi guaranteed with One NZ SuperWifi* (2 Deco X20 Mesh Wifi Nodes). Get a new modem for $4/month extra on a 12-month contract or BYO modem on an open term contract. Limited time offer. *24-month term applies to SuperWifi. T&C's apply
Full plan details
Terms and Conditions apply
Bundled broadband plans for renters
300Mbps
100Mbps
- Available on the Broadband Bundle plan only, to new and existing customers (not on a fixed plan).
- Unlimited data, no fixed term, no break fees.
- Bring Your Own (BYO) modem or you can order one ($14.99 delivery fee applies)
- Speeds may vary.
- Subject to a satisfactory credit check.
- Full Residential Terms & Conditions.
Unlimited Fibre 300
Get $22 off your standard price for...
from
$75.00
/mo
First 12 months then 97.00/month
300Mbps
100Mbps
Unlimited Fibre 300
Get $22 off your standard price for...
Sign up for the Orcon Fibre plan through Broadband Compare and get $22 monthly discount for 12 months! Bundle your broadband and power and get 10% bundle discount on both services. Get $5/mth off for
Terms and Conditions apply
Full plan details
Contract options
12 months
- 12-month term applies to all plans, exit fees of $250 apply.
- Standard pricing applies after 12 months.
- **Average Orcon Fibre plan (Fibre 100 or Fibre 300, depending on location) or Fibre Pro plan (Fibre Max) download/upload speeds with compatible modem at busy times (SamKnows December 2021 or Orcon November 2021). Experienced speeds may be higher or lower. For more information on how we measure speeds visits.(SamKnows December 2021) More info
- An extra 10% discount applies for Power and Broadband Bundles. The 10% discount is applied after all other offers.
Full T&Cs's
Sign up for the Orcon Fibre plan through Broadband Compare and get $22 monthly discount for 12 months! Bundle your broadband and power and get 10% bundle discount on both services. Get $5/mth off for each active mobile plan you bundle with your broadband. T&C's apply.
Full plan details
Terms and Conditions apply
No contract broadband plans for renters
300Mbps
100Mbps
Two-time award winners at the 2021 NZ Compare Awards for Best Customer Support and Provider of the Year! Only available for a limited time and exclusive to Broadband Compare.
Terms and Conditions apply
Full plan details
Contract options
open term
1. This offer ends 31st May 2024
2. Only available for new residential customers only.
3. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
4. Adding a phoneline to any plan or offer will be an additional $10 per month.
5. Includes unlimited ADSL, VDSL and Fibre 300/100.
6. Promotion pricing is valid for 12-months only, beginning on the date which your service address is connected on the Now network. After the first 12 months, the standard plan pricing for your selected plan will apply.
7. You can use your own modem, but this must be compatible with the selected NOW network. For more information, please refer to https://www.nownz.co.nz/support/technicalsupport/router-help/use-my-router/
8. A Modem can also be purchased with a one-off charge applied to your 1st invoice, alternatively you can split the cost of the Modem into 12 instalments included on your monthly bill. Please note: $14 postage and packaging fee applies for modem delivery.
9. Payment for this offer must be made via bank or credit card direct debit each month.
300Mbps
100Mbps
- Available on the Broadband Bundle plan only, to new and existing customers (not on a fixed plan).
- Unlimited data, no fixed term, no break fees.
- Bring Your Own (BYO) modem or you can order one ($14.99 delivery fee applies)
- Speeds may vary.
- Subject to a satisfactory credit check.
- Full Residential Terms & Conditions.
Broadband plans for large flats with gamers and streamers
Best Wireless broadband plans for apartments
RBI 4G 200Gb
Get a FREE modem + Get 3 months FRE...
from
$0.00
/mo
First 3 months then 95.99/month
36Mbps
10Mbps
RBI 4G 200Gb
Get a FREE modem + Get 3 months FRE...
Get a FREE modem and self-installation ($20 freight charge applies) + Get 3 months FREE! Sign up now on 0800 697 327. T&C's apply.
Terms and Conditions apply
Full plan details
Contract options
24 months
Included features
Rental router
- Factors such as the performance of your modem, location of the server you're connected to, the performance of your device and your in-home Wifi setup can impact the speeds experienced.
- For wireless connections, factors such as the distance you are from a cell tower, the network capability and the overall use of that cell tower by the other consumers can impact the speed experienced.
- Plan prices exclude data cap overages of $5.00 per GB.
- A 24 month service term applies. If you require an open term please contact Farmside sales team on 0800 697 327 to discuss open term options.
- Farmside Broadband Terms and Conditions and Early Termination fees apply
Farmside Standard Terms and Conditions and Fair Usage Policy applies
- If power is not available then broadband, and any services which run over it including voice calling (and all calls, including emergency calls to 111), may stop working unless there is battery backup in the home.Farmside recommends always having a charged mobile phone ready to use as a backup.
- Sufficient 4G coverage and capacity is also required. Traffic management and fair usage apply.
- Services such as monitored alarms, faxes, medical alerts and Sky may not work over the Broadband and phone (VoIP) service. You will need to check with your supplier.
CHECK YOUR ADDRESS
