Wellington

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Internet and Wi-Fi

Access to internet services, including broadband and public Wi-Fi options for staying connected in Wellington.

Sections

1. Broadband Providers in Wellington

Wellington has a competitive broadband market with several providers offering high-speed Internet services. Most providers offer fiber-optic broadband, as New Zealand has an extensive Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) network, which is widely available in urban areas like Wellington. Here are the main providers:

a. Spark

  • Plans: Offers fiber, ADSL/VDSL, and wireless broadband options.
  • Speeds: Fiber plans typically range from 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
  • Costs: Plans start at around NZD 75/month for basic fiber and go up to NZD 120/month for gigabit speeds.
  • Extras: Spark customers can access free Wi-Fi at Spark Wi-Fi zones across the country.
  • Website: www.spark.co.nz

b. Vodafone (soon to be One New Zealand)

  • Plans: Fiber, ADSL/VDSL, and 4G/5G wireless broadband.
  • Speeds: Fiber speeds up to 1 Gbps; 5G wireless broadband is also available in some areas.
  • Costs: Plans start at NZD 69/month for basic fiber and go up to NZD 120/month for premium speeds.
  • Extras: Vodafone offers discounts when bundling broadband with mobile plans.
  • Website: www.vodafone.co.nz

c. 2degrees

  • Plans: Fiber and ADSL/VDSL broadband.
  • Speeds: Fiber speeds up to 1 Gbps.
  • Costs: Plans start at NZD 75/month for standard fiber and go up to NZD 115/month for gigabit speeds.
  • Extras: Free modem and installation on some plans; discounts for mobile and broadband bundles.
  • Website: www.2degrees.nz

d. Orcon

  • Plans: Fiber and ADSL/VDSL broadband.
  • Speeds: Fiber speeds up to 1 Gbps.
  • Costs: Plans start at NZD 79/month for standard fiber.
  • Extras: Free installation and modem on selected plans.
  • Website: www.orcon.net.nz

e. MyRepublic

  • Plans: Specializes in fiber broadband.
  • Speeds: Fiber speeds up to 1 Gbps.
  • Costs: Plans start at NZD 79/month.
  • Extras: Focuses on gamers and heavy users with low-latency options.
  • Website: www.myrepublic.net/nz

f. Slingshot

  • Plans: Fiber and ADSL/VDSL broadband.
  • Speeds: Fiber speeds up to 1 Gbps.
  • Costs: Plans start at NZD 79/month.
  • Extras: Free modem and installation on selected plans.
  • Website: www.slingshot.co.nz

2. Free Public Wi-Fi in Wellington

Wellington offers several free public Wi-Fi options, making it easy for visitors and residents to stay connected while on the go.

a. Wellington Free Wi-Fi

  • Coverage: Available in the central business district (CBD), including popular areas like Cuba Street, Courtenay Place, and the waterfront.
  • How to Connect: Look for the network "Wellington Free Wi-Fi" on your device.
  • Speed: Suitable for basic browsing, emails, and social media.
  • Limitations: May have data caps or time limits per session.

b. Libraries and Public Spaces

  • Locations: Wellington City Libraries (e.g., Central Library, Newtown Library) and other public spaces often provide free Wi-Fi.
  • How to Connect: Check with the library staff for login details or look for open networks.

c. Cafes and Restaurants

  • Many cafes and restaurants in Wellington offer free Wi-Fi to customers. Popular chains like Starbucks and local cafes often provide this service.

3. Mobile Data Plans

If you need Internet on the go, mobile data is a reliable and flexible option. New Zealand has excellent mobile network coverage, including 4G and growing 5G availability in Wellington.

Main Mobile Providers

  1. Spark

    • Prepaid plans start at NZD 19/month for 1.5 GB of data.
    • Unlimited data plans start at NZD 79.99/month.
    • Offers eSIM options for compatible devices.

  2. Vodafone (One New Zealand)

    • Prepaid plans start at NZD 19/month for 2 GB of data.
    • Unlimited data plans start at NZD 79/month.
    • 5G available in Wellington.

  3. 2degrees

    • Prepaid plans start at NZD 15/month for 1.5 GB of data.
    • Unlimited data plans start at NZD 75/month.
    • Offers data rollover for unused data.

  4. Warehouse Mobile

    • Budget-friendly option with plans starting at NZD 10/month for 1 GB of data.
    • Uses the 2degrees network.

SIM Cards

  • SIM cards are widely available at supermarkets, convenience stores, and mobile provider stores.
  • Youโ€™ll need a valid ID to purchase a SIM card.
  • eSIMs are also available for compatible devices.

4. Typical Costs for Residential Broadband

  • Installation Fees: Most providers offer free installation for fiber broadband, but some may charge a one-time fee (around NZD 100โ€“200) if youโ€™re in a non-standard location.
  • Modem Costs: Many providers include a free modem with their plans, but premium modems may cost extra (around NZD 100โ€“200).
  • Monthly Costs: Expect to pay between NZD 75โ€“120/month for fiber broadband, depending on speed and provider.

5. Installation Procedures for Residential Broadband

  1. Check Availability: Use the providerโ€™s website to check if fiber broadband is available at your address.
  2. Sign Up: Choose a plan and sign up online or in-store. Youโ€™ll need to provide proof of address and ID.
  3. Schedule Installation: If fiber is not already installed at your property, a technician will need to visit. This can take 1โ€“3 weeks, depending on demand.
  4. Set Up Modem: Once installed, the provider will guide you on how to set up your modem. Most modems are plug-and-play.

6. Local Considerations

  • Data Caps: Most plans in New Zealand are unlimited, but some budget options may have data caps. Check the fine print.
  • Power Outages: In rare cases of power outages, fiber broadband will not work unless you have a backup power source.
  • Rural Areas: If you live outside Wellingtonโ€™s urban areas, fiber may not be available. In such cases, consider wireless broadband or satellite Internet (e.g., Starlink).

7. Tips for Visitors and New Residents

  • Short-Term Options: If youโ€™re staying temporarily, consider prepaid mobile data plans or portable Wi-Fi devices (available for rent at the airport or electronics stores).
  • Public Wi-Fi Security: Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks to protect your data.
  • Bundle Deals: If you plan to stay long-term, bundling broadband with mobile or electricity services can save money.

Wellingtonโ€™s Internet infrastructure is robust and user-friendly, ensuring youโ€™ll have no trouble staying connected. Whether youโ€™re a visitor or a new resident, youโ€™ll find plenty of options to suit your needs and budget.