Broadband Internet Access

New Zealand

Telecom New Zealand has provided 2 Mbit/s broadband internet by way of ADSL since 1999, and its main rival TelstraClear offers cable internet in Wellington and Christchurch. Other internet providers offer satellite broadband, or wholesale ADS through Telecom. However, Telecom's effective monopoly on the local loop is widely regarded to be an impediment to mass-market broadband uptake in the country. Indeed prior to 2004, speeds greater then 128 kbit/s with were extremely expensive with a 10 GB data package over NZ$1000 and extra data charged at over $0.10 per MB. In March 2004, a 256 kbit/s service was introduced with a 10 GB allowance for NZ$70. Later an unbundled bitstream service allowed ISPs to offer speeds greater then 128 kbit/s through their networks for the for the first time. This was originally 256k bit/s but was later extended to 2 mbit/s.

Most ADSL-based broadband plans offer 128 kbit/s upstream, and can use bandwidth caps limiting speeds to 64 kbit/s after going over an allocated allowance. A 2 Mbit/s plan with a 10 GB allowance through Telecom New Zealand's Xtra is NZD 59.95/month (USD 42.00/month). The only ADSL plans with greater then 128 kbit/s upstream are the same plans mentioned previously, costing over NZ$1000 for 10 GB.