Kiwis who are using fixed-wireless broadband have become significantly less satisfied with the technology since Covid-19 began impacting broadband demand in March, according to the latest figures from Chorus.
Chorus said research it commissioned from Colmar Brunton suggested satisfaction with fixed-wireless services had fallen from about 62 per cent to 48 per cent over four months.
According to Chorus’ poll satisfaction with ultrafast broadband (UFB) was relatively steady through the period at about 70 per cent. Satisfaction with copper services dipped by a few percentage points to 45 per cent and 34 per cent over the same period, depending on the type of copper broadband technology customers could access.
Looking at the numbers, it seems likely the drop in satisfaction for Wireless broadband and copper broadband was overlapped with the “demand challenge” caused by Covid-19. As more people worked from home, connected with family online and streamed content, the more we asked of broadband connections with limited bandwidth.
Vodafone spokeswoman Nicky Preston said Chorus’ survey data still showed fixed-wireless coming out ahead of the fastest copper broadband technology, VDSL.
If you have been frustrated with the performance of your home wireless broadband we suggest trying some of the simple steps below to improve your home network performance and comparing wireless providers operating in your area.
If you haven’t checked in a while, it’s worth checking regularly whether you can upgrade to fibre. Although it might feel like a long wait, new fibre connections are constantly being rolled out across the country. The Government recently announced funding for 367 more Northland homes and businesses to be able to hook up to fibre broadband. Northpower Fibre will also invest more than $900,000 to expand its ultra-fast broadband fibre network to more homes and businesses around Whangārei, Mangawhai and Dargaville. It’s worth checking your address regularly to see what’s available.
Simple steps to improve your Fixed Wireless Broadband speed
If Wireless is the only option for you, there are steps you can take to improve your Fixed Wireless Broadband speed. Your internet speed can be significantly slowed by factors inside your home. Most of these can be easily updated or remedied. If wireless broadband is your only option, but you’re still looking for faster internet – try these tips to improve your home internet performance.