VDSL

If you’re waiting for fiber, this is the best option.

VDSL is appropriate for a variety of online activities such as high-definition streaming, video calling, and photo uploading. VDSL broadband options are often quicker and more dependable than ordinary ADSL broadband, although they cost around the same per month.

In most circumstances, VDSL broadband connections are likewise quick and simple to set up. Because the existing copper network is used to carry data from your home to a nearby roadside cabinet, no installation or construction work is required. From there, the fibre network is utilised, giving you some of the speed and reliability benefits of a fiber connection.

Because a VDSL connection combines both network technologies, it is only available to homes within 1,200 meters of the local cabinet or exchange, as copper lines can be affected by distance. VDSL, like ADSL, is prone to lag or latency, but it has a smaller lag than fixed wireless broadband.

In that regard, if you’re searching for an upgrade from basic internet while waiting for fiber to become available, a VDSL connection is an excellent option.

Easy upgrade
Less buffering than ADSL
Less prone to lag than fixed wireless
Dedicated broadband connection
Supports UHD video streaming

Fibre VDSL

From $69/mo

VDSL Speed 50/10 Mbps
Unlimited Data

Get this plan

More information on VDSL

VDSL is a type of broadband connection that uses a combination of copper and fiber lines to provide data at speeds of up to 130 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload. Due to a variety of factors outside of the Ashnet network, such as the age of devices, wifi performance, modem quality, a broadband provider’s network and capacity, and the distance between your house and the exchange, the speed and performance of a VDSL broadband connection may differ from these potential speeds. In New Zealand, a typical VDSL connection speed is 25-60 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload.

It is important to consider the distance between two points.

It makes a difference how far you are from the nearest cabinet. The speed of copper connections decreases as the distance between them grows. The slower the connection, the further away you are. VDSL services can be delivered by Ashnet to properties up to 1.2 kilometers from the local cabinet or exchange. Distance has no effect on fibre broadband.

The future of the copper network

VDSL broadband connections, as previously stated, employ the legacy copper network, which has been used to connect our landline phones for over a century. Ashnet will retire parts of the copper network in high density locations where fibre is available over the next couple of years as part of the natural evolution of technology and with fibre already available to over 80% of New Zealand. There will be no’switch off date’ for the copper network, as there is for terrestrial television. Instead, it will happen gradually on a street-by-street basis, and only if fiber uptake reaches the required level. If fiber is accessible in your location, you should consider getting a fiber connection. It has been demonstrated to be the most reliable broadband, costing little more than VDSL, and is usually free to install.

If you live in a rural region where fiber isn’t yet available or isn’t expected to be anytime soon, don’t worry; we’ll keep the copper network operational so you can continue to use landlines and broadband services.

Look for the best connection for you.

Broadband isn’t created equal. It’s important to grasp the differences between the technologies and connection types offered before deciding on a broadband service.

* According to the Commerce Commission’s Measuring Broadband New Zealand (MBNZ) Spring 2021 report, the broadband speeds mentioned are national peak hour average speeds. Because Fibre 300 and Hyperfibre have yet to be evaluated by that report, the results indicate the maximum speeds that our wholesale network can achieve.

* These speed estimates are estimates, and your actual speeds will vary based on a variety of factors such as your internet plan, modem, house wifi configuration, and the capacity of your broadband provider’s network. Read on to learn how to get the greatest home wifi experience and how to optimize your broadband speed.

Find the right connection for you

Not all broadband is created equal. Before you choose a plan with your broadband provider it’s good to understand the difference between the technologies and connection types available.

Features	ADSL
Average download and upload speeds*	Download: 38.2 Upload: 10.9 Mbps
Average lag (latency)	50.0ms
Cost**	From $55 per month
UHD video streaming reliability***	69%
Devices	1-2
Great for	Web browsing Emailing Video streaming

* The broadband speeds quoted are national peak time average speeds based on the Commerce Commission’s Measuring Broadband New Zealand (MBNZ) Spring 2021 report. Fibre 300 and Hyperfibre aren’t measured by that report yet, so the values reflect the speeds our wholesale network can deliver.

* These performance measures are indicative and you may experience faster or slower speeds depending on a range of factors, including: your broadband plan, modem, home wifi setup and the capacity of your broadband provider’s network. Read our tips for getting the best home wifi experience and the steps you can take to improve your broadband speed.

** Offers vary between service providers – these indicative prices come from Broadband Compare as at February 2022 and don’t include any other costs (like modems) that your service provider may charge. Please contact a provider to understand the actual cost.

*** The proportion of households able to stream one Ultra High Definition video from Netflix with variable bitrate encoding – Measuring Broadband New Zealand report.