How to Switch Your Internet to Fibre Without Losing WiFi
Switching to fibre broadband in New Zealand can feel daunting, but it’s straightforward with the right steps. Fibre offers faster, more reliable internet than older ADSL or VDSL connections, and you don’t need to lose your WiFi during the transition. Here’s how:
Check Fibre Availability: Use tools like FibreDeals address checker to see if fibre is available at your home. If you’re renting, get landlord approval.
Plan Installation: Fibre setup involves three stages - planning (technician visit), external cabling, and internal connection. The process can take 1–8 weeks if starting from scratch, but switching providers is much faster.
Prepare Your Equipment: Ensure your router is fibre-compatible and configure it with the same WiFi name (SSID) and password as your current setup to keep devices connected seamlessly.
Keep Both Connections Active: Don’t cancel your current internet until the fibre connection is confirmed working. This avoids downtime.
Optimise WiFi: Place your router centrally, elevate it, and avoid interference for better coverage. Use the 5GHz band for speed and 2.4GHz for range.
Explore plans on sites like fibredeals.co.nz to find the best fit for your needs. Following these steps will ensure a smooth transition to fibre without losing connectivity.
Step 1: Check If Fibre Is Available and Plan Your Switch
Check If Your Address Has Fibre
The first step to switching to fibre is confirming its availability at your property here.
Your property will fall into one of three categories:
Already connected: An Optical Network Terminal (ONT) is already installed.
Available but not yet connected: Fibre needs to be installed from the street to your property.
Unavailable: Fibre isn’t accessible, which is often the case in rural areas [4].
If your property has a mounted box inside, that’s likely the ONT, indicating fibre is ready to go.
For those in rentals or shared properties, don’t forget to get your landlord’s approval and any necessary consent from the body corporate ahead of time [4].
Once you’ve confirmed fibre availability, it’s time to understand the installation process.
What Happens During Fibre Installation in NZ
Knowing what to expect during installation can make the process smoother. Fibre installation typically involves three stages: Agree, Build, and Connect.
Agree: A technician visits your home to plan how the fibre will be routed. This visit takes about an hour, and you’ll need to be present.
Build: Fibre is run from the street to your property. This work is done outside, so you don’t need to be home.
Connect: The final step, lasting up to four hours, involves wiring inside your home, installing the ONT, and testing the service. You’ll need to be present for this stage [4].
If you’re starting from scratch, the entire installation process can take anywhere from one to eight weeks [6]. However, if fibre is already installed at your address, switching providers is much quicker - typically one to two working days [6].
The good news? Standard residential installations are free, as the cost is covered by your ISP or LFC. However, if you have specific requests, like trenching instead of using aerial cables, you might face additional charges [4].
Keep Your Internet Running During the Switch
To avoid any interruptions, keep your current internet service active until the fibre technician confirms that your new connection is up and running. You might end up with two active connections briefly, but this ensures no downtime.
Check your existing contract for notice periods and early termination fees. Some providers in New Zealand require up to 30 days’ notice before you can cancel or switch services [6]. Early termination fees can range from $49 to $199, depending on how much time is left on your contract [4].
If you’re moving house, it’s a good idea to check the fibre availability at your new address at least three weeks before your move. This ensures you’ll have broadband ready to go when you arrive [5].
While most new providers manage the cancellation of your old service, it’s always a good idea to contact your current provider directly. This helps confirm the switch and avoids any risk of being double-billed.
Step 2: Get Your Home Network Ready
Check Your Equipment for Fibre Compatibility
First things first - make sure your router is ready for fibre. Look for a dedicated WAN port (often colour-coded) on the back of your router. This port connects via Ethernet to the ONT (Optical Network Terminal) installed in your home. If you're still using an older ADSL or VDSL modem that plugs into a phone jack, it won't work with fibre unless it also has an Ethernet WAN port. Double-check your router's specifications to confirm it supports fibre. Some newer models, like the Deco X53-DSL, come with auto-sensing ports that can switch between LAN and WAN functions.
The ONT is typically mounted on the wall where the fibre line enters your home. You'll connect your router to the ONT using the port labelled "GE1" (Gigabit Ethernet 1) or "LAN1." Keep in mind that as of 1 October 2025, major providers like One NZ have phased out ADSL and VDSL services, so upgrading to fibre-compatible equipment is essential [7].
Prepare Your WiFi Settings Before the Switch
Once you've confirmed your router is fibre-ready, it's time to sort out your WiFi settings. Before the technician arrives, set up your new router with the same WiFi network name (SSID) and password as your current one. This way, your devices - like smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, and other connected gadgets - will automatically reconnect without needing manual updates [1].
Access your router's settings by entering its IP address in a web browser. Update the SSID and password to match your existing setup, select WPA2 as the security protocol, and choose a strong password. If your router supports band steering, enable it. This feature allows devices to switch seamlessly between the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, ensuring better performance. The 5GHz band is particularly useful for fibre connections thanks to its ability to handle faster speeds and avoid congestion. Lastly, review and update any MAC address filtering settings to prevent connectivity issues. Taking these steps now will save you from reconfiguring devices later.
Choose the Best Spot for Your Router
Placement is key when it comes to getting the most out of your WiFi. While the ONT's location might limit where you can put your router, you can still optimise coverage by following the "Out, Up, and Open" rule. This means placing your router in a central location, elevating it on a shelf or wall mount rather than leaving it on the floor, and keeping it out in the open - away from enclosed spaces like cupboards or behind the TV.
Try to position the router in the room where you use the internet the most, like a home office or living room. Avoid areas with signal-blocking obstacles like mirrors, large glass surfaces, or internal walls made of brick, concrete, or metal. If you live in a multi-storey home, placing the router on the second floor can often provide better overall coverage [9]. Also, steer clear of interference from devices like microwaves, baby monitors, cordless phones, and Bluetooth speakers to keep your connection strong.
Step 3: What to Do on Installation Day
Work with the Installation Technician
On installation day, make sure your current internet connection stays active to avoid any downtime. When the technician arrives for their 1–2-hour appointment, they'll go over the best location for the Optical Network Terminal (ONT), install it, run the fibre cable, and test the sync rate [8]. Before they start, clear the area where they'll be working and discuss placement options to ensure your WiFi coverage is optimised. Once the ONT is installed, connect your router to the ONT's WAN/Internet port using an Ethernet cable. If you're using your own modem, double-check that it's fibre-compatible and has a dedicated WAN port [7][8].
Keep Your Old Internet On Until Fibre Works
Fibre and your existing internet service can run side by side without any issues. Your old ADSL or VDSL connection will stay active during the fibre setup since they use separate entry points - fibre connects through the ONT, while your old service uses the phone jack. This means you can keep both running until the fibre connection is fully operational [7][8].
Don’t disconnect your old modem until you see a solid green "Internet" or "WAN" light on the fibre setup [3][8]. Keeping your current connection live ensures you won’t lose internet access during the transition, which is especially crucial if you’re working from home or rely on a stable connection.
Test Your Devices After Switching
Once the fibre connection is up and running, test it across your devices. Open several websites on your laptop or phone to check general connectivity. For devices that need a stable connection, like smart TVs or gaming consoles, give those a go as well. If you use VPNs or remote access tools for work, test them right away - they may require updates if your public IP address has changed [10].
Check for any dead zones by walking around with your mobile device, especially in areas that usually struggle with WiFi signal [1][2]. For devices that need a rock-solid connection, like gaming consoles or smart TVs, consider using a wired Ethernet connection [1][2]. If any device won’t reconnect, try powering off the ONT for a minute, then restart your router and the affected devices [2][3].
Find the Best Fibre Internet Deals
Explore secure and reliable fibre internet plans tailored to your needs.
Step 4: Get the Best Performance from Your Fibre
Test Your Fibre Speeds
To get an accurate measure of your fibre connection, start with a wired speed test using an Ethernet cable. This helps bypass any potential slowdowns caused by WiFi. Before testing, close unnecessary applications and disconnect devices that aren’t in use. For plans offering speeds of 920 Mbps or higher, opt for a dedicated speed test tool instead of a web browser to avoid performance limitations. Testing at different times throughout the day can give you a clearer picture of your connection’s consistency. For instance, in New Zealand, Fibre 300 plans typically deliver an average download speed of 314 Mbps, while Fibre Max plans average around 881 Mbps. A standard 300/100 Mbps fibre connection is robust enough to handle up to four simultaneous Ultra HD Netflix streams without any trouble [11]. Once you’ve confirmed your speeds, the next step is to ensure your WiFi signal is as strong as possible.
Improve Your WiFi Signal
The placement of your router plays a big role in your WiFi performance. Position it centrally within your home, away from potential interference caused by appliances like microwaves, fridges, cordless phones, baby monitors, or even mirrors. For high-speed activities such as streaming or gaming, use the 5GHz band when close to the router. For devices farther away or separated by walls, switch to the 2.4GHz band for better range. If your router has external antennas, adjust them vertically to cover a single floor or horizontally to reach multiple levels. For devices that rely heavily on a stable connection, like smart TVs or gaming consoles, connect them directly to the router with an Ethernet cable (Cat 5e or higher). This frees up WiFi bandwidth for your other devices, ensuring a smoother experience all around.
Reconnect All Your Devices
Once your fibre connection is set up, locate your WiFi network name (SSID) and password on the sticker attached to your modem. Reconnect each device - whether it’s your phone, tablet, or laptop - by selecting your network and entering the password. For devices like printers and accessories, WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) can make the process easier. If your fibre plan includes a home phone, plug the grey phone cable directly into the modem’s phone port instead of a wall jack. Should you encounter any connectivity issues, try power cycling your ONT, modem/router, and devices in sequence. Additionally, updating your computer’s WiFi drivers can often resolve lingering connection problems.
Switching to fibre doesn’t mean giving up your WiFi connection. By checking fibre availability at your address, getting your equipment ready ahead of time, and keeping your current internet service active until the new connection is live, you can avoid unnecessary downtime. In New Zealand, how long installation takes depends on whether fibre infrastructure is already set up at your property.
Once connected, focus on router placement to get the best performance. Use a wired connection to test speeds and adjust your WiFi bands if needed to ensure everything runs smoothly.
The final step is choosing the right plan. Not sure which one fits your needs? Head over to fibredeals.co.nz, where you can enter your address to explore fibre packages available in your area. You can filter options by features like naked broadband, landline bundles, or gigabit speeds. All costs - such as installation, connection, and router courier fees - are clearly displayed upfront [6]. Once you’ve picked a plan, the site connects you directly with the provider or offers expert phone support via 0508 2COMPARE to guide you through the sign-up process [6]. By following these steps - checking availability, preparing your setup, coordinating installation, and fine-tuning your connection - you’ll enjoy a seamless switch to fibre while keeping your WiFi running without interruption.
FAQs
How can I find out if fibre broadband is available at my address?
To find out if fibre broadband is available at your address, use the fibre availability tool on the FibreDeals website here.
If fibre isn't currently available, your provider might recommend other connectivity options or let you know when fibre could become accessible. It's a simple way to stay updated on your broadband choices across New Zealand.
What can I do if my current router isn’t compatible with fibre?
If your current router isn’t compatible with fibre, you’ll need to upgrade to a fibre-ready model to keep your Wi-Fi running. Start by checking if your router has a WAN port or supports fibre standards like FTTP. If it doesn’t, look for a router labelled “Fibre ready” or “Fibre capable” and confirm it meets your provider’s specifications.
Once you’ve got the right router, connect it to the fibre ONT using an Ethernet cable and power it on. Access the router’s admin page (usually at 192.168.1.1) to set up your Wi-Fi. This includes configuring the network name (SSID), password, and ensuring the connection type (like DHCP or PPPoE) matches your provider’s requirements. After setup, test the connection to make sure all your devices can access the internet.
If you need Wi-Fi straight away, check with your provider about borrowing or renting a temporary router while you arrange a permanent replacement. Once your new router is up and running, you can either store your old one for future use or repurpose it as needed.
How can I improve my WiFi performance after upgrading to fibre?
To get the most out of your WiFi after switching to fibre, start by placing your router in a central, elevated location. Avoid hiding it in cupboards or placing it near metal surfaces, mirrors, microwaves, or thick walls. Ideally, position it where you use WiFi the most and stick to the Out-Up-Open rule: keep it out in the open, up high, and free from obstructions.
If you have a larger home or areas with weak signals, a mesh WiFi system can help extend coverage. Alternatively, use Ethernet cables for devices that require a stable, high-speed connection. Don’t forget to update your router’s firmware regularly and power-cycle all your equipment - like the ONT, modem, and router - after the upgrade. These simple steps will ensure your fibre connection delivers a fast and reliable WiFi experience.on