How to Use Broadband in NZ

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Broadband offers high-speed, reliable internet access and is indispensable in today's world. Thankfully, broadband technologies are available to Kiwis, each with different usage and installation methods and costs.

We'll break down this guide on how to use broadband into manageable pieces of information; you'll know what it is and how it's installed.

How Can I Use Broadband in NZ?

First, choose a broadband type, provider, and install your broadband connection. Afterwards, you can connect your device to your broadband wirelessly or use an ethernet cable. You can also share your cellular data from your smartphone if you have a mobile broadband data plan or buy a Mi-Fi device or a USB modem.

What Is Broadband?

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Broadband refers to high-speed internet services. Many broadband technologies, including fibre optic, wireless, satellite, and DSL, are available. It's faster and more reliable than older technologies.

What Are The Common Types of Broadband in NZ?

Internet service providers in New Zealand offer many technologies to Kiwis. These are the most reliable and widespread ones.

How to Use Broadband

Firstly, decide on the type of internet you want. Then, choose a broadband provider and have them set up your new internet connection.

1. Choose a Broadband Type

Providers in New Zealand offer many broadband technologies to Kiwis. These three are the most commonly used ones:

Fibre Optic

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Fibre broadband uses fibre optic cables. They're made of thin strands of glass or plastic and transmit data at very high speeds. Fibre broadband reaches speeds of 1,000 Mbps or more.

You should opt for fibre if you can afford it and have high bandwidth needs. It's ideal if you game heavily, create and upload content, stream often, or want the best performance.

DSL

DSL refers to Digital Subscriber Line. It uses the existing copper wires of the telephone network to offer phone and broadband services to Kiwis.

The two types of DSL are ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) and VDSL (Very High Bitrate Digital Subscriber Line). VDSL is much faster than ADSL but is more prone to interference and has a shorter range.

DSL has affordable package prices, making it a budget-friendly option for Kiwis.

Mobile Broadband

Mobile broadband uses cellular networks to provide internet access to mobile devices. You must sign up with a carrier and get a SIM card first to use mobile broadband.

It's convenient and flexible thanks to the widespread coverage. But avoid it if you're concerned about data caps and cost.

2. Choose a Broadband Provider

You must sign up for a broadband plan with a service provider. Keep the following in mind:

• Coverage is important. Ensure your ISP's infrastructure can reliably transmit and receive data from your location.
• Look for cost-effectiveness. If a reputable ISP offers an affordable broadband package, go for it.
• Internet speed quality and reliability are vital. Avoid ISPs who receive negative feedback due to their internet quality and stability.
• Customer support and care are everything. Your ISP must be communicative and ready to help you when you need it most. They should also avoid shady practices, such as hidden fees.

You can compare broadband providers on our website to find a suitable one. Some also offer temporary broadband deals if you want to try out their service.

3. Install Your Broadband

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Broadband installation differs depending on your technology. Some, like fibre, can take a long time to install, especially if the necessary infrastructure isn't already established in your area. Others only require a few hours of work.

DSL

DSL broadband requires a DSL modem or router, a phone line, and a phone filter. Don't worry about the technicalities—your broadband service provider will install everything for you.

They'll connect the phone filter to the landline phone jack, then plug the modem or router into it and power it. They'll activate it once they leave. You can connect to the internet using an ethernet cable or wirelessly after.

Fibre Optic

Fibre installation relies on a different infrastructure. The technicians will install an optical network terminal and run the fibre optic cables from the telephone exchange to your home if the infrastructure in your area is there.

Sometimes, they'll need to dig ditches or carry our extensive construction work to provide your home with a fibre connection.

You'll need fibre-compatible hardware, including a new modem. Fibre performance will fluctuate during the stabilisation period, which lasts up to 14 days. During it, the telephone exchange optimises your internet to find what bests suits your situation.

Mobile Broadband

To "instal" mobile broadband, put the SIM card you received from your carrier into your mobile device. You can also put it into a USB stick or a Mi-Fi device.

4. Use Your Broadband

You'll have to use your broadband connection once your ISP installs and activates it. There are several ways to do that; let's show you how:

Wireless Connection

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You can connect your laptop, phone, television, desktop, and many other devices wirelessly to your broadband connection.

To connect your laptop or desktop:

1. Click the network icon in your taskbar
2. Click on the Wi-Fi to show the list of available networks
3. Choose your network and click "Connect"
4. Input your password
5. Check "Connect Automatically" for convenience

Your network, by default, should partly have the name of your router's brand or model. You can also find your network name (SSID) and password on your contract and a sticker on your router. The same applies to your desktop, but it must have a network adapter.

To connect your phone or tablet:

1. Swipe down to reveal the notifications area
2. Click and hold "Wi-Fi"
3. Click on your network's name
4. Input your password and click "Connect"

Connecting televisions depends on the brand, but it suffices to go to your television's settings and then browse its network settings. There, you'll find a list of available networks. Pick yours and input the password.

Wired Connection
 

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You can use an ethernet cable to connect your laptop, desktop, or television to the internet. Each of these devices has an ethernet port, so do the following:

1. Plug one end of the ethernet cable into your router's LAN port
2. Plug the other end into your device's ethernet port

Ethernet cables can improve your broadband speed and stability.

Mobile Broadband

Another way to use broadband in NZ is by getting a SIM card with a data plan. You can compare mobile plans on our website. New Zealand has high-speed cellular networks that support up to 300 Mbps speeds.

You can connect to the internet by putting the SIM card in your phone and:

1. Go to your phone's settings
2. Go to SIM Cards & Mobile Networks
3. Configure your mobile network. Your carrier can offer instructions, or you can call a number for help
4. Swipe down and turn on mobile data

You can also buy a USB modem, stick the SIM into it, and plug it into your desktop or laptop to connect using cellular data.

If you have many devices, consider buying a Mi-Fi device, a portable Wi-Fi that uses cellular data to allow many devices to connect, or using the mobile hotspot function of your smartphone.

Conclusion

You can use your broadband connection via a wireless, wired, or mobile connection or by sharing your cellular data via a mobile hotspot, a USB modem, or a Mi-Fi device. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so assessing your needs is best.