Fibre Internet FAQ: Top 10 Questions Answered
Fibre broadband is the best and most sure way for homes and businesses in New Zealand. It gives speeds 1,702% faster than fixed wireless and has 7x less delay. This makes it top for watching shows, playing games, and work from home. Unlike old ways like ADSL or wireless, fibre uses light in glass cables. This means it works well far and in bad weather.
Here’s what you should know:
How it does it: Data moves as light in fibre cables, keeping fast and steady.
Why it’s top: Faster speeds, same in/out rates, and it’s not easy to break by outside stuff.
Putting it in: Free or cheap to put in most times; you need yes from landlord if you rent.
Choices: Range from simple (for light use) to full (for lots of use or big homes).
Switching: Keep old internet on while moving to stop no net time.
Making it faster: Get new routers, put them in the middle, and think about Ethernet for big tasks.
Fibre is the best pick for anyone who needs quick, sure net that can take many devices and lots of use. Ready to switch? Look for fibre deals and choices to start.
How Fibre Broadband Works
Fibre uses very thin glass or plastic wires - as small as a hair - to send data with light flashes. When you click on a link or watch a video, your data turns into light flashes that move through these wires at about 200,000 kilometres per second - nearly two-thirds the speed of light.
This happens by a rule called total internal reflection. The light jumps along the inside of the wire without losing how strong or clear it is. This helps fibre stay fast and clear, which is why many people like it. At both ends, special gear changes your data to and from light flashes. Your modem changes these light signs into the net that runs your tech.
Unlike copper internet, like ADSL, which uses electric signs that get weak over space, and wireless, which uses radio waves that buildings or weather can mess up, fibre keeps strong over far spaces. It also does not get mixed up with other signs, and it does not lose its power like other ways often do.
Since light signs can hold much more data than electric signs, fibre can deal with faster speeds and more data all at once. No matter if you are 100 meters or 10 kilometers from the closest place, fibre gives you fast, strong speeds.
In New Zealand, fibre wires link homes and places through the Ultrafast Broadband (UFB) network. These wires go from main internet places in the ground or over the ground, then split into smaller lines that go to each place. This setup, known as Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), gives you a straight fibre link to your house or work. This direct link makes the service fast and sure, as the next parts will show.
How Fibre Internet Helps in New Zealand
Fibre, backed by New Zealand's UFB line, gives faster, more sure links for both homes and firms, setting it apart as a top pick for today's digital needs.
Speed and Use
Fibre offers a big jump up from old internet types like ADSL. It gives very fast speeds for getting files, top-quality video shows, and smooth video chats. Not like old links, fibre gives the same speed for both uploading and getting stuff. This is perfect for work-from-home jobs, playing games online, and using lots of devices at once. It uses light to move data, which cuts down on mess, making sure you have a slow and sure link even when lots of people are online. Also, it's made to keep doing well for a long time, so you can trust it to stay fast and sure.
Staying Good for a Long Time
Fibre is not just fast - it's also tough. Not like old copper lines that can wear out, fibre wires can stand up to bad weather, which matters a lot in New Zealand's shore places. Even when power goes out, fibre systems are made strong, and many providers have good backup setups to keep it all going well.
Plus, as the need for more data goes up with new streaming, virtual bits, and house tech, fibre is good to go. It can be made faster for new needs. This not only makes working from home better but also adds worth to homes, as steady broadband is a key thing to have.
Fibre mixes speed, trust, and toughness, making it a great pick for keeping up in today's quick digital world.
Fibre Internet Choices and Prices in New Zealand
New Zealand's fibre internet scene has many plans that mix fast speeds with good prices, for both homes and work. It helps to know what's out there so you can pick the best plan for what you need.
Types of Plans and Speeds
Fibre plans in New Zealand fall into three big groups:
Starter Plans: Great for small homes or single users who just surf the web, read emails, and watch a few videos. They offer needed speed for simple online uses at a low cost.
Everyday Plans: Made for families or homes with lots of gadgets, these plans keep up with movies, video calls, and games online. They give a nice mix of speed and price, and many folks pick these.
Premium Plans: For those who use the internet a lot or have big families, these plans give the top speeds you can get. They fit houses with lots of tech or for people who often send or get big files.
For work, fibre plans often have the same speeds for both uploads and downloads. This is good for sending big files or running video meets.
Pricing and Costs
What you pay for fibre internet in New Zealand changes based on the type of plan and other stuff like setup and how long you sign up for:
Monthly Costs: Starter plans cost the least. They suit those who don’t need much. Everyday plans are priced okay, with a fair mix of speed and worth. Premium plans have more perks and quicker speeds, so they cost more.
Installation Fees: These change if your place is set for it or not. Some providers might cut or drop these fees if you stay with them longer or if your spot is ready for fibre.
Contract Length: Plans that let you pay month-by-month keep it flexible but might cost more each month. Long deals (12 to 24 months) might have goodies like lower prices or free setup. Always check early leave fees before you agree.
Some places also bundle fibre with cell plans or streaming, saving you some cash and making things easy.
Fibre Set-Up
Fibre is fast and steady, and the set-up is made to link you up with little fuss. There are some main steps in the process: check if you can get it, get the okays needed, a check by the tech, work outside and inside your place, and a last test.
Can You Get It and What You Need
Before we can start, your place needs to pass some checks. First, you need to be where fibre is ready to go. You can find out with your net provider’s tool or ask the fibre company in your area.
Your type of home also matters. For single homes, any outer work must be within 100 metres. In a shared place (like a townhouse), any shared space work must also be under 100 metres. For flats or blocks, yes from the owner or body group is a must. If you rent, you need a note from your landlord saying it’s ok. With the Residential Tenancy Amendment Act, from 11 February 2021, landlords can’t say no without a good reason like it hurting the building’s shield, build, or look, or if big fixes are set for the next 90 days.
Before starting, you’ll sign an Installation Agreement with your local fibre group. While most fibre setups are at no cost, extra fees might come up for tricky work like cutting through hard stuff or moving gear after set up.
Steps to Get Fibre
Once your place is ok for fibre, the steps to get it are set:
Order Fibre: Pick a fibre plan you like and sign up.
Get Okays: Make sure you have all yeses needed, from landlords, neighbours, or a body group.
Look over the Site: A tech comes by your home to plan the set up. They will talk about where to put the External Termination Point (ETP) and the Optical Network Terminal (ONT), look at landline wires, check alarm setups, and find the best place for your modem.
Lay the Cable: Fibre is put from the street to your place, and they set up the ETP. You don’t have to be there for this.
Set Up Inside: This part takes about 4–6 hours, and you need to be there. The tech sets up the ONT, links your modem, and tests your net. Make sure there are at least two power points near the ONT spot.
Last Checks: The tech does a few tests to make sure all is good, finishing your fibre setup.
Find the Best Fibre Internet Deals
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Switching to Fibre Internet
When you know how to set it up, the next smart move is to plan your shift to fibre internet. With some prep and a clear idea of what's needed, moving from your old broadband to fibre can be smooth and without worry.
Look at Your Current Contract
First, check your current broadband deal. Many companies ask for 30 days' notice to end it without extra costs. If you end the deal early, you could have to pay from $50 to $300, based on how much time your deal has left. To dodge any shocks, call your provider to make sure of the fees and times to end it.
Set the Timing
To dodge any time without internet, it's good to keep your old broadband and your new fibre internet on at the same time for at least 48 hours when you switch. Most fibre companies can hook you up within 10 to 15 working days after ordering. But, when it’s very busy or if more work needs to be done at your home, it may go up to about 20 days.
Here's an easy plan:
Set up your fibre hook-up first.
When your fibre is ready, test it with streaming, calls, and work apps.
Only after testing, call your old provider to stop your old service.
This way, you'll have less trouble and move with ease.
Switching Devices
Fibre internet uses different gear than old broadband. You'll need an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), which changes light signals into data. Good news? Your fibre company will give you this tool, often for free.
If your router is new and fast, you might keep using it. But, many pick the router that comes with their fibre plan. Using the provider’s router makes sure everything fits well and makes fixing issues easier since it all comes from one place.
Emails and Phone Numbers
Changing broadband companies may mess with your email and phone services, so plan ahead.
Email Accounts: If your email uses your old provider's name (like @xtra.co.nz), you'll lose it when you end the service. Start a new email with a free service like Gmail or Outlook before stopping your old one. Update all key accounts with your new email so you don't lose key messages.
Landline Numbers: Want to keep your old phone number? No problem. Most fibre companies let you keep your existing number, but it will take 1-3 working days and has to be set up before you end your old service. Tell your new provider you want to keep your number when you sign up - not on the setup day.
Keep it Running
If you make a good plan, you won't have much downtime. The time when the tech moves your link from the old to the new line is short, often under 10 minutes. But, if there's a problem with the setup or your gear, keeping your old service running lets you keep working, studying, or watching shows without any stops.
How to Boost Fibre Internet Speeds
To get the best out of your fibre internet link in New Zealand, it's not just about the right plan. How you set it up and where can change its speed. Here are easy ways to lift your fibre speeds:
Check Your Router Spot
Where you put your router can help or hurt your link. Signals get weak when they move through walls, floors, and big stuff like chairs. For top results, put your router up high in the middle of your place, far from thick walls or big metal things like microwaves or big steel boxes. If your place has lots of floors or is big, one router may not be enough, and you might find spots where speeds are low.
Get Better Wi-Fi Tech
If your router is old, it might not give you the speeds your fibre plan can. Many old routers use old Wi-Fi ways that can block your speed. New Wi-Fi 6 routers are made to handle high speeds and lots of devices well. While many fibre firms in New Zealand give new routers, if you have your own, think about getting a new one to get the most out of your fibre link.
Watch How Many Devices Are Connected
Even with a quick fibre link, too many devices at once can slow it down. Each device shares your bandwidth, and stuff in the back like updates or cloud saves can cut into your speed. To keep it smooth, use fewer devices at once and stop downloads you don't need, mainly when a lot of folks are online.
Update Device Network Parts
At times, it's not your router but your device. Old ones may not fit with new Wi-Fi ways, even if your router does. Be sure your device's network parts are new. If not, think about a new network piece that fits current needs to boost how well it works.
Watch for Busy Times
Even with fibre, the local network can lag when it's busy, like night times when all are online. If speeds drop at these times, plan big downloads or updates for when it's calm and fewer people are online.
Look for Interference
Your Wi-Fi signal may get weak when other electronic tools work on the same waves. Baby monitors, cordless phones, and even some LED lights can mess it up. New routers usually send out signals on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz waves. The 5 GHz wave is quick and gets less mess from other devices, but it does not reach as far. Be sure your devices link to the wave that fits best for what you need.
Picking the Right Fibre Plan
Choosing the best fibre plan isn't just about looking for the fastest speeds - it's about finding one that fits your daily internet use. Many in New Zealand either pay for more speed than they use or get a plan that can't keep up with their needs.
Think about how many people are in your house and when they use the internet the most. One person using the internet will need less than a family that's watching videos, playing games, and working from home all at once. If many devices are on at the same time, you need a plan that can handle it without slowing down.
For homes with many users, faster speeds are key, especially at night time. If your internet slows when everyone is online, it might be time to get a faster plan.
Here's what to keep in mind to pick a plan that suits how you live and use the internet.
Things to Think About
Upload speeds are key for working from home. If you work remotely, you need a steady connection with good upload speeds. Tasks like video calls and sending big files go smoother with the right plan.
Gaming and watching videos need specific things. Online games don't use much data but need quick, steady speeds. Watching high-quality videos uses more data, especially if many streams are going at once. If your home watches a lot of videos, choose a plan with good bandwidth.
Look at all costs. Think about extra costs like setup, renting routers, and contract terms. Paying more at first might save money later if it covers things like a good router or free setup.
Watch for data limits. While many fibre plans in New Zealand have no data limits, it's good to check. If you often download big files or stream a lot, make sure your plan really has no hidden limits.
Plan for the future. As you get more smart devices and as streaming tech gets better, you'll need more from your internet. Picking a plan that can meet future needs now can save you from needing an upgrade too soon.
Check contract freedom. Long contracts might cost less each month, but month-to-month plans let you switch if your needs change.
Conclusion
Fibre is now king in New Zealand, giving top speed and trust better than old tech. Its quick, even speeds and big data band let many tools work at once - like in video chats, games, or 4K streams - without slow loading.
Strong fibre cable keeps the link solid, even in bad weather. Plus, as data moves by light, fibre gives a safe layer that makes it tough for hackers to grab data.
Setting it up is easy too, often done in one day.
As work from home, online classes, and sharp streams are now key parts of daily life, fibre net brings the speed and trust you need. Find the right fibre deal for you.
Go to Compare Deals to see and pick your plans today.
FAQs
Why does fiber net stay fast and good even in bad weather?
Fiber is known for being fast and strong, even when the weather is bad. This is because of how fiber cables are made. They have strong layers that keep them safe from things like rain, wind, and changes in heat. Fiber doesn't get messed up by electric noise like old copper cables do, so it keeps working well.
In New Zealand, most fiber cables are put under the ground. This keeps them safe from storms or very bad weather. With this strong build and safe place, fiber keeps giving good speeds, no matter the weather.
What's the gap between fibre internet, ADSL, and wireless broadband?
Fibre internet in New Zealand uses fibre-optic wires to send data as light. This tech gives faster speed, better trust, and lower wait time than ADSL, which uses old copper phone lines and tends to be slower and more open to mess-ups.
Wireless broadband, on the other hand, uses radio waves from cell towers. It’s simple to set up and doesn’t need wires, making it a handy pick. Yet, how it works can shift based on things like land, signal power, and how full the network is. These parts might make the speed less steady than fibre.
If you care most about speed and trust, fibre internet is the top pick.
How can I shift to fibre smoothly from my current service?
To easily move to fibre in New Zealand, first, choose a good provider with a plan that fits your net needs. After you pick, order the fibre service and set an install day. Normally, a tech will come to your place to put in the fibre optic wire and set up your new modem.
Before the install day, check if your old stuff works with fibre. Once it's set, link your gear with an Ethernet wire to get the best speeds. When all is ready, check your net speeds to make sure they are as promised. If your speeds are low, talk to your provider for help.