Broadband internet in Ashburton/Allenton, New Zealand (2014, houses)

[Fuzz]

We're looking into possibly moving to Ashburton/Allenton, New Zealand next year. Was wondering about the broadband internet situation there. What are the highest speeds available and at what cost? Any usage caps? I get 30Mbps now -- not sure if something like that is available.

[Battleneter]

NZ is lucky to be a significant way through rolling out Fiber to the Home a nationwide scheme called "Ultra Fast Broadband". I don't know how far along Ashburton is but Christchurch has the highest percentage deployment last time I checked which of course is pretty close.

Most houses will be 100Mbps download and 50Mbps up to start, I think you can chose a slower option. Higher speed are likely in the future thanks to the technology NZ chose.

UFB prices are still expensive but dropping. I am aware of a provider (Orcon) now offer a VOIP phone line and unlimited data for $99 a month, I have friends on it in Christchurch that taunt me with there connection superiority.

DSL2 is likely available if UFB isn't yet, and of course its hard to quote speed as it depends how far from the exchange or DSLAM you are. Likely to be anywhere between 4-20 Mbps.


While I am on the topic........ may as well have a rant.

NBN vs. UFB head to head comparison


Now NBN here in Aus is being reduced to copper for the last mile, the gap is going to be far worse than the above link and Australia is about to enter another decade of abysmal internet. This new infrastructure government doesn't seem very infrastructurey, is that a word?

/end rant

[Fuzz]

Thanks for the info. Looked into UFB and looks like about Ashburton/Allenton do have UFB network capability through Chorus (3/4 have the 100Mbps UFB coverage; the other 1/4 get up to 20Mbps (and scheduled for 100Mbps upgrade in May 2014)). Snap! provides 30Mbps UFB with 200GB monthly data cap at NZ$90/month.

[Joe90]

Be careful you don't move to a "3%" area- There will be some around Ashburton.. I just paid NZ$688 for 2.7GB of data on a mobile plan.

I must admit that it was mostly penalty (base plan is NZ$49 for 2 GB), but those wonderful folks at Telecom NZ, changed it from the previous plan where if you exceeded the 2GB, you automatically started on another 2GB plan, to a new (money making) scheme where once you exceeded the 2 GB, it automatically goes to NZ$ 1 a MB (It's a good trap for households with kids, who don't hear alerts when they're gaming))

Thanks Telecom NZ, you're a great company. PS - don't keep sending your f****** flyers in the mail, about the wonders of unlimited highspeed broadband.

[Battleneter]

Originally Posted by Joe90

Thanks Telecom NZ, you're a great company. PS - don't keep sending your f****** flyers in the mail, about the wonders of unlimited highspeed broadband.

Ah yes Telecom, my all time favourite company or should I say mobsters.