By our estimates, more than 450,000 Kiwi households will shortly see a price increase on their broadband.
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.
We don't have an absolute list... a price increase is rarely heavily publicised. Looking at our records, this year has seen price increases announced by the following providers - Mercury, One NZ, Orcon and Spark (limited data plans).
Not all plans have necessarily increased, and we are seeing varied reports of how much, so be sure to check your bills and emails for any communications.
Whilst $3 a month or $5 a month doesn't seem like much, when you consider the impact over a year, it does all add up.
At NZ Compare, we estimate, there will be over $18,750,000 extra spent on broadband in the coming year as a result of these increases*... you don't need to be paying more than you have to, there are alternatives.
If you’re already on fibre in New Zealand, switching your broadband provider is typically easy, fast, and mostly handled by your new provider. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide so you know what to expect:
* CHECK YOUR CURRENT FIBRE CONTRACT
Have a look on a recent bill and check your current contract’s end date. Most plans are 12 to 24-month contracts, and if you leave early, you may face a cancellation fee... obviously that can sting, especially if you're not happy with the service later on. However, if your contract term is up, you can switch and save.
It is important to note, that if your provider has increased prices whilst you are in a fixed term contract (essentially changing the terms), you do have the right to leave without paying an exit fee or penalty.
* CHECK FIBRE COVERAGE
Since you’re already on fibre, coverage is obviously confirmed - this means there are no changes to the physical connection needed. That’s part of why switching can be so easy and smooth!
* COMPARE FIBRE PLANS
Before switching, compare available plans to make sure you’re getting the best value, the correct speed and any other features that suit your needs. Things you might wish to compare include:
❓Monthly price - Cheapest Broadband Plans here
❓Download/upload speeds - Try our speed calculator here
❓Contract term or month-to-month - no fixed term providers can be found here
❓Modem/router included or BYO - Most households have a router already... so why get another one?
❓Special offers or credits - Latest broadband deals can be found here
* SIGN UP WITH NEW FIBRE PROVIDER
Once you’ve chosen a new plan:
✔ Make sure you leave your details with Broadband Compare before going through to the end provider, we can only guarantee the deals we list (including exclusives) if you register with us first.
✔ Once you are redirected to provider, complete their online signup
✔ Enter your address and contact details
✔ Choose your transfer date (if they let you) - this will be the day your notice ends at your current provider
✔ Provide payment details
You’ll receive a confirmation and usually an order/tracking number.
* YOUR NEW PROVIDER MANAGES THE SWITCH
This is a key part:
🔹 Your new provider contacts the network (Chorus, Enable, Tuatahi First Fibre etc) and arranges the port/transfer
🔹 They notify your old provider about the switch
🔹 They do most of the paperwork and scheduling
🔹 You usually don’t have to contact your old provider at all to handle the technical transfer
We would, however, always recommend you double check that your old provider will be ending billing and your contract. The new provider can only 'see' the technical parts of the switch, not your financial and contractual obligations.
Most of the time, the switch is remote and automatic — no technician visit is required if you’re already connected to fibre - no digging, no mounting, no splicing, just a back end transfer handles by the network - like changing power provider.
* NO DOWNTIME
Because fibre networks support seamless transfers:
✅ Your connection stays active; or
✅ You transition with minimal interruption - like wi-fi dropping out for a few seconds
There’s sometimes a need to reconfigure your router settings or "turn it on and off" but your new provider should have instructions and a support team if it gets any tricker - you'll be surprised how often it just works!
* YOUR OLD PROVIDER IS AUTOMATICALLY DISCONNECTED
Once the new service activates:
📌 Your old provider should stop billing you - as stated above, we do recommend you contact them to confirm and prevent potential issues
📌 Your new service takes over
📌 Make sure you check your billing end date so you’re not billed twice for the same period and you request the transfer on the date your old plan finishes.
* THE BOTTOM LINE (OF THIS SECTION AT LEAST)
Switching fibre providers in NZ when you’re already on fibre is usually:
✔ VERY simple
✔ No technician visit
✔ No downtime
✔ Managed by your new provider
✔ Quick and easy
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.
The providers quoted have approximately 450,000 fibre broadband connections in NZ (info gathered from provider websites and Telecommunications Development Levy statistics).
Monthly price increase vary from $3 to $8. The most common increase being $5 a month.
$5 x 12 months = $60 per year.
450,000 x $60 = $27,000,000.
Cut off a couple of million for customers who refuse the increase and negotiate.
Left with an increase of $25,000,000 for 12 months.
Price increases take place in April so 9 months remaining.
Leaves us with $18,750,000 extra to be paid by Kiwi households.