How to Upgrade to Fibre Broadband in NZ

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Fibre is a connection type that delivers hyperfast internet speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. Its performance far outperforms traditional connection types like ADSL, making it the next logical upgrade if you're looking to stream, game, and download files seamlessly.

Upgrading to fibre is well worth it if it's available in your area and fits your budget. Still, there's so much information out there; knowing how and where to start can be daunting if you're an average user.

That's where we come in. In this post, you'll find everything you need to know about upgrading to fibre. We'll guide you through the process of doing so, too. Ready? Let's go.

Can I Upgrade to Fibre Broadband?

Yes, fibre broadband is widely available in New Zealand. While it's more expensive than other connection types, its blazing-fast speeds and reliability provide better value for your money.

To upgrade to fibre, find a suitable internet service provider and enquire about the available plans and installation process. Installation can take from several days to a couple of weeks.

What Is Fibre Broadband?

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There are many broadband technologies, and fibre is one of them. Fibre allows you to access the fastest connection speeds possible thanks to how it transmits data.

With fibre, data is sent via fibre cables as light signals modulated to transmit binary data, which your router converts back into electrical signals. These cables are composed of thin strands of glass or plastic. They're much more efficient than copper cables in other technologies, such as ADSL.

Why? Light signals travel at nearly the speed of light. In short, with a fibre connection, you can bet your internet connection speed will be impressive.

Related: Fibre vs. Cable - Guide to Fibre Broadband

Is Fibre Broadband Worth it?

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If you need to upgrade your internet, then it's absolutely worth it.

We can't stress this enough: a fibre upgrade is worth it if it's available in your area and you can afford it. Here are just a few of the many reasons why:

• Your fibre broadband connection will be less susceptible to interference and cutoffs because the infrastructure behind it is much more durable and reliable.
• Depending on your fibre broadband plan, you can enjoy download and upload speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps or more. You can download a 50-GB game in about a minute with that!
• You can connect multiple devices to your fibre network without worrying about slowdowns; there's enough bandwidth to handle a smart household.
• With fibre, you'll experience lower latency issues (the time it takes data to travel from one point to another on the internet). This makes it best for online gaming, voice calls, or conferencing.
• While expensive, fibre offers better value for money in the long run. It's faster, more consistent, less susceptible to technical issues, and more.

But it wouldn't be right if we didn't mention some of fibre's drawbacks. They are:

• It costs more in monthly bills and installation fees.
• It's not available everywhere yet. Still, it's continuously being rolled out by various ISPs.
• It can be challenging to instal for the first time. Fibre requires different external and internal wiring, hardware, equipment, and more.

How Much Does Fibre Broadband Cost?

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It depends on your provider and data plan, so consider how much internet speed you need.

In New Zealand, fibre plans start with speeds of 50 Mbps and go up to 8,000 Mbps. Of course, the latter is overkill and would be very expensive—and unnecessary—for most users.

The sweet spot is 100–300 Mbps in download for first-time fibre users, and many providers offer those kinds of speeds at a price range of $69 to $104 a month. Upload speeds vary depending on the provider, but some focus on them more or provide more balanced plans.

Similarly, installation, termination, and modem postage fees differ from one provider to another. So, comparing broadband deals is best.

How Can I Upgrade to Fibre Broadband?

Several steps must be taken before getting fibre installed in your household. We'll explain what each entails.

1. Check Availability

Rural and remote areas may struggle with various fibre broadband access issues, from lack of infrastructure to high costs and regulatory barriers. Thankfully, as of 2022, 87% of Kiwis have access to fibre internet.

So, if you live in a residential area, chances are the infrastructure necessary to get fibre installed in your household is already available.

However, researching viable rural providers should be your priority if you're in a remote area. You may be less lucky and have to settle for a different connection type.

You can use Broadband Map NZ to see if fibre is available in your location.

2. Choose an ISP

Choosing a reputable fibre provider should be your next step. Ensure they can provide a high-quality, reliable connection at an appealing price. They must also have excellent customer support service and be popular among other Kiwis for their dedication to providing unparalleled service.

We have a helpful guide on how to choose a fibre broadband provider. Check it out for more information!

3. Consult The ISP

You'll have to get in touch with the provider you've chosen; inquiring about the process of upgrading to fibre is your next step. You can do that by heading to your ISP's local office, calling their support hotline, or visiting their website.

Your ISP will tell you everything about the upgrade process. They'll explain the requirements, costs, necessary documentation, installation method, and how long installation takes. They'll also ask for your personal information and address to ensure fibre is available in your area, notwithstanding whether you already checked.

Once everything checks, it's time to gain consent, choose a plan, place your fibre order, and schedule an appointment.

4. Get Consent

Installing fibre can be tricky if you don't own the property. You must get consent to instal fibre from your landlord or property manager. If the installation will affect other properties in your area, you'll have to get their permission, too. Here are some examples:

• Right of Way: You must get your neighbour's consent before installation if your property shares a driveway or right of way with another.
• Multi-Dwelling Units: If you live in a complex, you might need to gain permission from some residents. However, if a corporate manages the building, it can grant permission on behalf of individuals.
• Rental Property: If you're renting, you'll need to get your landlord's agreement before installation work takes place.

The process can be frustrating if you're dealing with a difficult person, but we recommend getting a written agreement in case problems arises later.

5. Schedule an Appointment

Your ISP will arrange a suitable date and time for a local fibre company technician to visit your premises. This is part of the pre-installation phase; the technician will assess your property and discuss the best installation method with you. They'll also find the best External Termination Point (ETP) placement.

You'll be asked to approve the connection plan and sign a consent form if you're okay with what the local fibre company technician recommended.

Installing Fibre Broadband

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Work begins once you approve the installation plan. Depending on its complexity, it can take a few days to two weeks.

Initial Preparations

Your local fibre company will carry out external build work. They'll dig a trench, lay a duct, or attach an aerial cable to connect fibre from the street to your property boundary. This process can be lengthy, depending on the work complexity and other factors like weather; don't be surprised if it takes more than a week.

The technician will also discuss internal wiring options with you, including the location of a small box called the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) (What your modem connects to) and a Power Supply Unit (PSU) inside your house. They must ensure that the cabling is neat and compliant with safety standards.

Installation Process

Once everything checks, the local fibre company technician will begin installing fibre. They'll bring the fibre cable from your External Termination Point (ETP) into your premises and ensure it's properly connected to the Optical Network Terminal (ONT).

They'll set up and configure the fibre equipment (which is completely different from that of other broadband technologies) to establish the fibre connection. They'll also conduct several tests to check its quality and performance to ensure it's working well. Once everything is set, they'll activate your fibre connection.

Finalisation Process

Once installation is complete, the technician will stick around to provide you with troubleshooting tips and answer any questions.

Take this opportunity to clear up any misconceptions or confusion and enquire about other services your ISP may offer to customers who recently signed up for fibre. Here are some examples:

• Free or Discounted Installation: Depending on your plan, location, and term, you may have a free or discounted fibre installation.
• Free or Discounted Modem: Some ISPs in New Zealand offer a free fibre modem if you sign up for a 12-month term plan.
• Discounted Streaming Services: Some ISPs in New Zealand can offer discounted streaming services for fibre broadband.

Some advantages aren't available if you signed up for a temporary broadband plan. So, asking your ISP to see what your benefits are is best.

Fibre takes time to settle, so your connection will fluctuate during the first two weeks. However, you should be ready to enjoy the hyperfast connection speeds you were promised nonetheless—why don't you start by streaming your favourite movie in 4K?

What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Fibre?

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Fibre is still not widely understood by many Kiwis. Let's clear some common misconceptions about it.

Limited Speed Options

Some Kiwis think that fibre internet comes only with extremely high-speed plans that are unnecessary for their needs. This isn't surprising, as most ISPs advertise their best plans (Usually 1,000 Mbps+ speeds), which far exceed the average user's needs.

The truth is that most ISPs in New Zealand offer fibre plans that start at 100 Mbps. The latter is much more affordable and aligns better with an average user's needs.

Limited Availability

While it's true that fibre isn't available everywhere yet, as of late 2022, 87% of Kiwis have access to it. Unless you're in a remote or rural location, the infrastructure necessary to get fibre installed in your home is already available in your area.

Difficult Installation

Some Kiwis think upgrading to fibre is a complex and disruptive process that can affect the appearance of their home. Truthfully, most of the construction and renovation work takes place outside of your premises. Moreover, installing fibre can sometimes be quick and hassle-free.

Why? There are three categories of fibre installation impact. They are:

• Light Impact: The installation doesn't require digging or drilling and uses existing infrastructure or wires to connect you. This type of installation is the cheapest and fastest.
• Medium Impact: Some digging and drilling is required, but not enough to alter your property's appearance. For example, digging a small hole in your wall or a shallow trench outside. This installation type may require permission from your neighbours.
• High Impact: This installation type costs the most and takes the longest. It only happens when connecting fibre to your home is difficult due to a lack of infrastructure or other challenges. It involves digging deeper trenches and holes or installing new wires or poles.

Wrapping Up

If the movies you stream buffer consistently, your download and upload speeds are inconsistent, or you notice slowdowns when you connect multiple devices, upgrading to fibre may be a solution; your current internet plan can't handle your daily activities.

Upgrading to fibre starts with choosing an ISP which can ensure quality and reliability while remaining in your budget range. Once you contact them, they'll guide you through the entire process, so you have little to worry about.

Despite fibre sounding complex, it's as accessible as any other broadband connection technology. Why don't you start by comparing fibre providers on our website?