If you haven’t checked your broadband plan in the past year, there’s a strong chance you’re paying more than you need to.
Across New Zealand, broadband pricing has shifted steadily over the last few years. Between annual price increases from major providers, promotional deals expiring quietly, and confusion around speed tiers, many households are now paying well over the odds.
Here’s what to look out for in 2026 — and how to fix it.
Many of the big broadband providers have increased prices most years recently. Often it’s small:
* $3 here
* $5 there
* A removed discount
* A plan restructure
Individually they don’t seem dramatic. But over time, your $79 plan quietly became $95 or more...
The problem? Most customers don’t notice.
TAKE ACTION!
Compare your current monthly price against what’s available TODAY on BroadbandCompare.co.nz. New customers often receive sharper pricing than loyal ones. If you haven’t switched in 12–24 months, you’re likely overpaying.
Here's something that lots of people missed.
Earlier in the year, the local fibre networks announced free speed increases across New Zealand. What used to be “Fibre 50” or "Fibre Starter" became faster, meaning that entry-level fibre today is as quick as the top speed when fibre was first launched.
So ask yourself:
* Are you paying for 900 Mbps or 1 Gbps?
* Do you actually need it?
* Or would a starter fibre plan do the job perfectly?
For most households:
* Streaming
* Working from home
* Gaming
* Video calls
A standard fibre plan is more than enough and entry-level fibre plans now start from around $60 per month.
TAKE ACTION!
Try our speed calculator to see what speed your household should be using. It’s free and super simple to use.
Simply add up the number of devices you have at home that are connected to the internet, and the types of activities your household does online, and we will show you what speed you should be on.
Dropping down a speed tier could save hundreds of dollars per year.
Router rental fees often sit quietly on your bill at:
* $5–$15 per month
That’s up to $180 per year for equipment you could own.
You can:
* Buy a decent second-hand router
* Use one from a previous provider
* Get one from a friend or family member upgrading
Not only can you save money — you reduce e-waste and save the planet too.
TAKE ACTION!
Check your bill for “router rental” or “equipment fee”. If you’re paying it, consider buying your own.
Many providers offer incentives and promotions to get you to sign up, things like:
* First 6 months discounted
* 3 months free on a 12 or 24 month contract
* Introductory credits
* Short-term promotional pricing
Then quietly move you on to their full pricing once the promo term ends.
If your initial deal expired, your monthly bill may have jumped significantly without you noticing, especially if you pay on subscription or direct debit.
TAKE ACTION!
Check when you signed up. If you’re beyond your promo period, compare again.
You may qualify for a new-customer deal elsewhere and switching providers is now far simpler than it used to be - don't be tied down to high prices!
“Bundle and save” sounds appealing.
But in reality:
* Broadband may be priced sharply as a loss leader
* Power prices might be inflated
* Or vice versa
There is more often than not a case where one product is a loss leader and the other makes up the margin.
The “one bill convenience” can feel tidy — but is it worth potentially hundreds of dollars per year?
TAKE ACTION!
Compare each service individually before committing to bundles. Make sure the combined total truly stacks up.
Broadband is just one part of your household bills.
While you’re reviewing:
1. Power bill - Check out Power Compare
2. Mobile plans - Check out Mobile Compare
3. Insurance - Check out our friends at Quashed - they will do a FREE market scan and show you how much you can save on your car insurance - Compare Insurance Now
A full bill audit once per year can save serious money.
Broadband prices don’t usually spike overnight — they creep... slowly, slowly, up and up...
Speed upgrades from fibre companies mean many households are paying for performance they simply don’t need.
The smartest move?
✔ Compare your current price
✔ Review your speed tier
✔ Check for expired promos
✔ Avoid unnecessary rental fees
✔ Be sceptical of bundles
✔ Review all your utilities
If you haven’t compared in the last 12 months, NOW is the time.
Start now at BroadbandCompare.co.nz and make sure you’re not paying 2026 prices for a 2021 plan.