Fibre, fixed wireless, or Starlink - Which internet connection is right for you?

Here’s a no-jargon guide to pick the best broadband in Aotearoa, wherever you live. Choosing broadband in New Zealand used to be simple because there were barely any choices. Now there are three genuinely different technologies, and picking the right one depends mostly on where you live. Here is what you need to know.

What are your options at a glance?

Fibre
A physical cable runs to your home. The fastest and most reliable option available. Covers most towns and cities.

Fixed wireless
Your router connects to a nearby mobile tower; no cables are needed. Works almost anywhere there is a mobile signal.

Starlink
A dish on your roof connects to satellites in space. Works anywhere in New Zealand with a clear view of the sky.

How fast is each one? 
Fibre is the clear winner for speed and reliability. Most Kiwi households will get 100Mbps to 800Mbps, which is more than enough bandwidth for the whole family to stream 4K video, jump on work calls, and game online at the same time without anyone ‘hogging’ the connection. 

Fixed wireless is a practical solution for everyday tasks like streaming and video calls, especially with 4G speeds of 40Mbps-60Mbps or even faster 5G performance. However, you might notice speed dips during the evening 'peak hour' or experience a bit of lag during online gaming. It’s also susceptible to interference from heavy weather or even the layout of your home. While the pricing is similar, fibre ultimately offers superior experience for busy households that fixed wireless simply can't guarantee.

Urban vs rural performance for each and ‘the big divide’
In cities and most populated towns, fibre is almost always the best call. It is fast, consistent, and priced competitively. Fixed wireless is a solid backup if fibre has not reached your home or business yet, especially with plug-and-play 4G modems that need no installation at all. 

For many rural Kiwis, Starlink is a game-changer that bypasses topographical hurdles like deep valleys or dense bush that often block traditional fixed wireless signals. While the service provides high-speed independence, performance can still be hampered by New Zealand's heavy rain or thick cloud cover, which occasionally causes rain fade or signal drops. Installation also brings its own challenges because the dish requires a completely unobstructed view of the sky, often needing custom roof mounts or high poles to clear nearby trees and farm buildings. Again, though for those in rural areas, this can be the most favourable connectivity option.

Which internet is right for you?