Whether you rent or own your home – a reliable and affordable broadband connection is vital.
And good news is on the horizon for Kiwi renters – changes to New Zealand Tenancy laws will make it easier to install Fibre broadband in rental properties. Tenants can request to install fibre broadband, and landlords must agree if it can be installed at no cost to them, unless specific exemptions apply. The changes come into effect on 11 February 2021.
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 the cheapest plan available to keep costs low.
Your best broadband plan will depend on what’s available at your new address and whether Fibre, copper, wireless or satellite is available. Simply enter your address into our address finder for a tailored list of broadband plans available.
A minority of renters may find themselves in a situation where fibre is available in their area, but not installed in their rental home. Fortunately, recent changes to the Residential Tenancies Act mean that Tenants can request to install fibre broadband, and landlords must agree if it can be installed at no cost to them, unless specific exemptions apply.
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.
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.
When comparing broadband plans, it is worth looking at any free inclusions or add-ones. These may include free months, joining credit, a free router, a free wifi extender, free mobile plan, or free access to streaming platforms.
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 on your broadband plan may include a connection fee, termination fee, router rental or delivery, or additional homeline fee.
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.
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.
100Mbps
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
12 months
Family filter
Slingshot Broadband Ts&Cs
Bundle Discount Terms & Conditions
Here’s your chance to join New Zealand’s most Satisfied Broadband Customers on Now broadband. $47.50/m for six months then standard pricing of $95/m applies. Fibre 300 only. 12-month term. T&Cs apply....
Terms and Conditions apply
12 months
Naked Unlimited Broadband with six months half price.
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. This offer is only available on a 12-month contract term and includes unlimited ADSL, VDSL and Fibre 300/100.
6. Promotional pricing is valid for 6-months only, beginning on the date which your service address is connected on the Now network. After the first 6-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/technical-support/routerhelp/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. An early termination fee ($199) will apply if you cancel this service prior to the first 12 months after joining.
100Mbps
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
12 months
100Mbps
Get Fibre 300 plan for $70/mth when you bundle Broadband + Power + Gas! T&C's apply.
Terms and Conditions apply
open term
Power / Gas
100Mbps
Get $10/mth off for the life of the plan when you sign up for an eligible Unlimited broadband plan. Plus, bundle your broadband and One NZ Pay Monthly mobile plan and get an extra $10/mth off! Also,
Terms and Conditions apply
open term
BYO Router / Mobile / WiFi Extender
SuperWifi Offer:
$10 Per Month For life of plan
BYO Modem offer - open term plans:
Take your internet to the next level by renting a high performance ASUS WiFi 6 router. Improve your in-home experience and enjoy no fixed contracts or early termination fees.
Terms and Conditions apply
open term
BYO Router
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
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.
500Mbps
Sign up for a 12-month contract and get Unlimited Broadband for $79/m! Plus, get 6 months of Amazon Prime Video too. T&C's apply.
Requires 2degrees Pay Monthly Mobile Plan. 12 month term applies. T&C'...
Terms and Conditions apply
12 months
Mobile
Offer available for a limited time to new customers on a 12 month fixed Unlimited Broadband Plan only. Price includes $10/m Pay Monthly discount. Plan discount: Standard plan charge after 12 months. $15 rental modem shipping fee applies. Early exit fees apply if you end your plan within 12 months. Non-standard installation fees apply. Prime Video: Valid for 6 months after the date of activation. Offer subject to change. Cancel anytime. Amazon.com, Inc. and its affiliates are not sponsors of this promotion. Must activate within 30 days of receiving the activation link email. Prime Video is $8/month after the promotion period. Prime Video and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 2degrees reserves the right to cancel or amend this offer at any time. Broadband and Promotion T&Cs apply. See 2degrees.nz for full T&Cs.
10Mbps
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
24 months
Rental router
