Fibre 300/100 is the most popular internet plan in New Zealand. Plans cost between $80-$100/m and, for most homes, they are fast enough. For data-hungry households with multiple internet users, it's easy to upgrade to a 900/500Mbps, for around $20/m extra.
However, there is an even faster, albeit more expensive, option: hyperfibre.
What is hyperfibre?
Hyperfibre uses the existing fibre network but, through the installation of a special Optical Network Terminal (ONT) in place of your existing fibre box, it can deliver speeds far beyond a standard fibre connection.
Although the technology can potentially deliver speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second, hyperfibre plans usually come with three speed options:
- 2000Mbps download/upload
- 4000Mbps download/upload
- 8000Mbps download/upload
Note that to make use of hyperfibre over wi-fi, you'll also need a compatible router.
What are the advantages of hyperfibre?
Speed, speed, and more speed. Hyperfibre essentially provides the platform to have an ever-scaling set-up of devices all accessing seamless, (near) lag-free, superfast internet.
Its combination of super-fast speeds and very low latency (lag), means it's perfect for industries that depend on real-time communication and high-resolution images, such as remote medical diagnostics and surgery.
However, while hyperfibre sounds great, it's overkill for most residential homes. It also requires extra installation and hardware.
Who provides hyperfibre?
Hyperfibre is not available in all areas (around 75% of towns and cities), and currently only from one major provider, 2degrees. However, there are a few smaller broadband providers offering hyperfibre.
2degrees
2degrees offers two unlimited hyperfibre plans for its non-business customers. Both are eligible for a $10/m discount for bundling with mobile, and a $20/m discount for bundling with power.
Hyperfibre 2 ($149/m)
- Up to 2000Mbps download/upload speed
- Free modem rental on a 12 month term ($15 shipping fee)
- Early exit fee (up to $199) applies on a 12-month plan
- Open term plan available, with the following costs:
- Connection fee: $99
- Modem charge: $599 + $15 shipping fee
Hyperfibre 4 ($179/m)
- Up to 4000Mbps download/upload speed
- Free Orbi Hyperfibre modem rental on a 12 month term ($15 shipping fee)
- Early exit fee (up to $199) applies on a 12 month plan
- Open term plan available, with the following costs:
- Connection fee: $99
- Modem charge: $599 + $15 shipping fee
Ashnet
Ashnet offers three unlimited hyperfibre plans, available on 12- or 24-month contracts:
- Hyperfibre 2 – 2000/2000Mbps ($113/m)
- Hyperfibre 4 – 4000/4000Mbps ($165/m)
- Hyperfibre 8 – 8000/8000Mbps ($260/m)
Ashnet plans allow for a BYO router. Fees apply for an Ashnet router. Break fees from $399.
Econofibre
Econofibre offers three unlimited hyperfibre plans, each charges a $50 connection fee:
- Hyperfibre 2 – 2000/2000Mbps ($114/m)
- Hyperfibre 4 – 4000/4000Mbps ($150/m)
- Hyperfibre 8 – 8000/8000Mbps ($280/m)
All Econofibre hyperfibre plans are open term and allow BYO router. Fees apply for a Econofibre router.
Quic
Quick is a no-frills internet company intended for tech-savvy customers who can set-up and maintain their own internet with minimal technical support. It offers three levels of hyperfibre:
- Rocket 1G – 1000/1000Mbps ($120/m)
- Rocket 2G – 2000/2000Mbps ($140/m)
- Rocket 4G – 4000/4000Mbps ($175/m)
All plans are open term and a $29 connection fee applies. Fees apply for a Quic router.
Voyager
Voyager's two hyperfibre plans are available on 12-month contracts:
- Hyperfibre 2000 – 2000/2000Mbps ($154/m)
- Hyperfibre 4000 – 4000/4000Mbps ($184/m)
There are no connection fees, although early break fees apply. You will need to provide your own compatible router or purchase/rent-to-own one from Voyager.
Worldnet
Worldnet has three hyperfibre plans. There are no connection fees:
- Hyperfibre 2 – 2000/2000Gbps ($115/m on 12-month contract | $125/m on open term)
- Hyperfibre 4 – 4000/4000Gbps ($155/m on 12-month contract | $165/m on open term)
- Hyperfibre 8 – 8000/8000Gbps ($280/m on 12-month contract | $295/m on open term)
All Worldnet hyperfibre plans allow BYO router or you can purchase a router from Worldnet, delivery fees applies. Break fee of $199 applies to 12-month contracts.
Zeronet
Zeronet has two hyperfibre plans, available on 12-month or open contracts:
- Hyperfibre 2000 ($135/m on 12-month contract | $145/m on open term)
- Hyperfibre 4000 ($165/m on 12-month contract | $175/m on open term)
Plans incur the following fees:
- $35 connection fee
- $15 modem delivery fee
- $299 break-fee applies to fixed contracts
