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Do Kiwis Pay Too Much for Broadband? With Broadband Compare
May 22, 2024

Broadband Compare explores the prices of broadband in other countries, and urges Kiwis to compare their broadband to save money. 

Auckland, New Zealand – NZ Compare, New Zealand's leading comparison  website company, continues to see visitor and user growth as the Kiwi consumer seeks more ways to  save. With Broadband Compare one of their most popular sites experiencing burgeoning demand, what sort of savings can be made, and are Kiwis paying too much for  broadband when compared to the likes of Australia, the UK and Europe? 

Recent research released by Cable.co.uk has painted a relatively unfavorable picture of the cost of a  broadband connection in Oceania when compared with the average price across 12 other global regions.  

The cheapest fixed -line broadband in the world can be found in Sudan, costing the equivalent of just  $3.91 NZD a month, whilst the average cost per month of a broadband connection in New Zealand was more than twenty times that amount, recorded as $82 NZD. The range of plans for New Zealanders  quoted in the survey stretched from $45.83 to $120 for a month of broadband connectivity.  

Gavin Male, NZ Compare CEO commented on the price range in New Zealand saying, “We are very  fortunate to have such a high-quality fibre broadband network in New Zealand, and the vast majority of  consumers are now taking advantage of the technology. It is just a shame that so many of us are still  paying more than we need to for our internet connection at home. Broadband Compare has dozens of  fibre broadband options starting from as little as $50 a month, well below the average price recorded in  this survey of $82. These fibre plans, with speeds from 50 Mbs are more than suitable for most small  households, offering outstanding connectivity at a great price. I implore Kiwis to compare prices and  only pay for the speed they need at home.”  

Oceania came out as an expensive region for broadband relative to other parts of the world, but New  Zealand does do fairly well in the league table of the 16 Oceanic countries that were surveyed with NZ  coming in at 4th place. That spot puts us ahead of the likes of Australia (5th in Oceania, 130th in the  world), The Cook Islands (7th in Oceania, 178th in the world) and Samoa (13th in Oceania, 209th in the  world).  

Explaining the research further, Dan Howdle of Cable.co.uk said, “It is not altogether too surprising that  the most advanced, developed nations tend to have some of the most expensive broadband. After all,  earnings are higher, and investment and rollout of new technologies tends to be ahead of the curve. Or  so one would think. 

It is interesting, however, that the cheapest broadband in the world tends to be in Eastern Europe and  CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) nations. These countries tend to have some of the most  advanced infrastructure too (high % full fibre to the premises coverage), and are somehow able to offer  it to users at very low prices. In a way, these examples obliterate the notion that regions such as  Western Europe and North America pay more because of the cost of rolling out new technologies, and  actually points more readily to the idea that people in these regions are made to pay more simply  because they can.” 

Top 5 CHEAPEST countries 

Country Average cost of broadband per month 

Sudan USD 2.40 

Argentina USD 5.17 

Belarus USD 7.03 

Ukraine USD 7.35 

Egypt USD 8.31 

Top 5 most EXPENSIVE countries 

Country Average cost of broadband per month 

Solomon Islands USD 457.84 

Burundi USD 304.57 

Turks and Caicos Islands USD 212.00 

Virgin Islands (British) USD 189.00 

Bermuda USD 185.00 

Other notable countries 

Country Average cost of broadband per month 

New Zealand USD 48.60 (128th place) 

Australia USD 52.21 (130th place) 

United States of America USD 65.00 (155th place) 

United Kingdom USD 38.79 (96th place) 

China USD 18.81 (41st place) 

India USD 9.73 (13th place) 

More Options than Ever in New Zealand 

With an extensive array of broadband providers and plans featured on the site, Broadband Compare has  been the go-to platform for consumers seeking a cost-effective broadband solution since it launched in  2016. 

With broadband prices continually fluctuating and new entrants to the market all the time, the  Broadband Compare website is now listing more plans than ever, and an ever-increasing number of  bundled providers, further increase the choice for New Zealanders. These new entrants join the ranks of  other top-tier providers featured on the platform, promising an even wider range of options for  consumers seeking competitive broadband plans. 

As the cost of living remains a pressing concern for many, Broadband Compare, along with the other NZ  Compare sites covering Mobile, Power and Finance, empower Kiwis to make informed decisions about  their broadband services. By comparing plans from various providers, users can identify saving opportunities and ensure they're not overpaying for essential connectivity. 

NZ Compare remains dedicated to its mission of providing user-friendly platforms that simplify the  process of choosing the right utility provider and plan. With record-breaking site traffic in 2023 and an ever-expanding list of providers, the websites remain a valuable resource for New Zealanders looking to  minimise their expenses while enjoying reliable services.  

About NZ Compare: 

NZ Compare is New Zealand's leading comparison website company. Dedicated  to helping consumers find the best products and services to suit their needs and budget, NZ Compare websites simplify the process of comparing and choosing products and services, ensuring users make  informed decisions about their utility services.