Understanding Broadband Technologies: Fibre, Copper, Wireless & More
Not all internet connections are created equal. When comparing broadband plans, it helps to understand the different network technologies behind them — because the type of connection you have plays a big role in how fast, reliable, and consistent your internet will be.
Let’s break down the main network types used across Aotearoa and what they mean for your home.
Fibre (Ultra-Fast Broadband)
The gold standard for speed and reliability.
Fibre broadband uses high-speed fibre optic cables to deliver data at lightning-fast speeds with minimal delay or dropouts. It’s perfect for streaming, gaming, video calls, and households with multiple users.
Key benefits:
Congestion-free network
Consistently high download and upload speeds
Low latency – great for online gaming or remote work
Future-proof for growing data demands
Fibre is available in most urban and suburban areas. If it’s available at your address — it’s the best option.
Copper (ADSL & VDSL)
Old-school tech that’s slowly being phased out.
Copper broadband uses the same copper phone lines that were originally laid for landline calls. It comes in two main types: ADSL (slower) and VDSL (faster, but distance-dependent).
Key facts:
Speed decreases the further you are from the exchange
More frequent dropouts and higher latency than fibre
Limited ability to support modern usage like HD streaming or multiple devices
Chorus is gradually retiring copper in areas where fibre is now available
If you’re still on copper, it’s worth checking if you can upgrade to fibre.
You can check here
Satellite
A great option for remote or rural areas.
Satellite internet uses a dish on your property to connect to satellites in space. It’s often used when no other connection is available.
Considerations:
Coverage across all of New Zealand
Higher latency and slower speeds
Sensitive to weather and atmospheric conditions
Requires dish installation
While not ideal for high-speed gaming or video calls, it keeps remote communities connected.
Wireless Broadband (4G & 5G)
Internet delivered over the mobile phone network.
Wireless broadband doesn’t use cables to your home — it connects via 4G or 5G towers using a modem or router.
4G Wireless
Similar speeds to VDSL, but varies by time of day
High latency and more dropouts than fibre
Can struggle in high-demand times or dense areas
5G Wireless
Supports multiple devices and high-quality streaming
Still affected by congestion and environmental factors
Not as consistent as fibre, especially during peak hours
If fibre isn’t available, wireless is a flexible option — but performance can vary.
HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial)
A cable-based alternative in some areas.
HFC combines fibre and coaxial cable (like what’s used for cable TV) to deliver broadband. It’s less common and can vary in performance compared to full fibre.
LEO Satellite (e.g. Starlink)
New-generation space internet.
Low Earth Orbit satellites (like Starlink) offer improved latency and speed over traditional satellite services. They’re a game-changer for rural areas — but still not as fast or consistent as fibre.
Who’s Behind Your Network?
Wholesale providers build and maintain the networks (fibre and copper). Your internet service provider (ISP) then uses these networks to deliver your internet plan — and their own management plays a big part in your experience.
Things like peak-time congestion, how they route traffic, and even whether you’re connected to local or overseas servers can all affect speed.
Want to Know What’s Best for Your Home?
Check what’s available at your address. We’ll show you fibre plans from top NZ providers so you can pick the best connection for how you live.