ADSL Broadband NZ: Your 2025 Guide to Plans, Speeds & Deals

Last updated: August 6, 2025

While much of the buzz is around new fibre connections, we understand that for many Kiwis, a reliable ADSL broadband NZ plan is still a vital link to the online world. If you're in an area where ADSL is your main option, or you're simply looking for a basic, low-cost connection, you've come to the right place. This complete 2025 guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from understanding the actual speeds you can expect, to comparing the latest from. Our aim is to help you confidently find the best ADSL solution for your home or determine if it's time to explore other options.

Understanding ADSL Broadband in New Zealand

Before you start comparing plans, it’s important to understand what ADSL is and what it can realistically deliver. This technology has been the backbone of New Zealand's internet for years, but it has key differences from modern alternatives like.

💡 What is ADSL Internet? A Simple Explanation

ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. In simple terms, it’s a type of broadband that delivers an internet connection to your home using the same traditional copper phone lines as a landline telephone. It was a huge step up from the old dial-up systems and is still the most widely available type of internet connection across NZ, especially in areas where newer technologies haven't reached yet.

The "Asymmetric" part is key: it means your download speed (for things like watching videos, browsing websites, or streaming music) is much faster than your upload speed (used for video calls, sending large email attachments, or backing up photos to the cloud). For most everyday internet use, this works perfectly fine.

🚀 How Fast is ADSL Broadband in NZ?

When it comes to ADSL speed, it's crucial to have realistic expectations. While some plans are advertised with speeds "up to 24 Mbps" (megabits per second), the typical real-world-performance for a standard ADSL connection is closer to 10 Mbps for downloads and 1 Mbps for uploads.

Your actual speed can be affected by several factors:

• Distance: The further your home is from the local telephone exchange or cabinet, the weaker the signal becomes and the slower your internet will be.
• Wiring Quality: The age and condition of the copper wiring, both on your street and inside your house, can impact performance.
• Congestion: Like any network, performance can dip during peak hours (usually evenings) when many people in your area are online at the same time.

ADSL vs. Fibre vs. VDSL: What's the Key Difference?

It can be confusing trying to understand the different broadband types. This simple table breaks down the main differences to help you see where ADSL fits in. This directly answers the common question: "is ADSL broadband better than fibre?".

Is ADSL Still a Viable Option in 2025?

With the nationwide rollout of Fibre, many people wonder if ADSL is still a relevant choice. The short answer is: for some, it's a necessity, but for most, it's a stepping stone to better technology. This section addresses the core concerns about ADSL's longevity and suitability today.

🤔 Who Still Uses ADSL Internet in NZ?

Yes, thousands of Kiwis still rely on ADSL. While its use is declining, it remains an essential service for specific situations. You're most likely to use ADSL if you:

• Live in a rural or remote area where the fibre network has not yet been built.
• Reside in an older apartment building or complex where installing new fibre cabling is difficult.
• Have very light internet needs, such as only checking emails and doing basic web browsing, and are looking for the most basic connection available.

For these users, ADSL is not just a choice but the primary fixed-line connection available.

🔮 The Future of ADSL: Is It Being Phased Out?

This is a critical question, and the answer is a definite yes. Chorus, the owner of the copper network, is in the process of gradually retiring it, with a goal to complete the shutdown by 2030.

This doesn't mean your internet will suddenly stop working. The phase-out is happening in stages, primarily in areas where fibre is already widely available. You will receive plenty of advance notice (at least six months) from your provider before your service is affected, giving you ample time to switch to a new technology like,, or Satellite broadband like. In fact, these newer technologies are more reliable and less prone to faults, especially during weather events.

👍👎 Pros and Cons of ADSL Broadband

To make an informed decision, it helps to see the advantages and disadvantages side-by-side.

Pros:

• Wide Availability: Historically, its biggest strength is its reach into areas where other fixed-line options may not yet be available.
• Basic Affordability: Often, ADSL plans have the lowest advertised monthly price, making them seem like a cheap entry point for a basic connection.

Cons:

• Slow Speeds: Significantly slower than VDSL and Fibre, especially for uploads, making video calls and sending large files difficult.
• Inconsistent Performance: More likely to slow down during evening peak hours and can be less reliable, particularly in bad weather.
• Not Future-Proof: Cannot support the demands of modern internet use, such as 4K streaming, competitive online gaming, or multiple people working and learning from home.
• Being Replaced: The underlying technology is being officially retired, so any ADSL connection is temporary.

Finding the Best ADSL Broadband Plans in NZ

Now that you know what ADSL is, the next step is finding a plan that fits your needs and budget. While ADSL is a basic service, there are still important differences between provider deals that can affect your overall cost and flexibility. This section will help you navigate the options and make a smart choice.

♾️ Comparing Unlimited ADSL Plans

For almost everyone, an is the best way to go, even on a slower ADSL connection. Here’s why: modern websites, automatic software updates, and even occasional video streaming can use up data surprisingly quickly. An unlimited plan gives you peace of mind, ensuring you never have to worry about monitoring your usage or getting hit with extra charges for going over a data cap.

💰 How to Find the Cheapest ADSL Broadband NZ Deals

Finding the deal isn’t just about the lowest monthly fee. To find the true cost of a plan, you need to look at the bigger picture. Before you sign up, always check for:

• Modem Costs: Does the plan include a free modem, or do you need to buy one? A modem purchase can add a significant upfront cost.
• Setup or Connection Fees: Some providers charge a one-off fee to get you connected. Make sure you factor this into your budget.
• Contract Length: A 12 or 24-month contract might offer a cheaper monthly price, but it comes with a catch.
• Termination Fees: If you need to leave a fixed-term contract early, you could face a hefty early termination fee, often costing hundreds of dollars.

✍️ No-Contract ADSL Broadband Options

If you value flexibility, a (also called open-term or month-to-month) plan is your best bet. This is an ideal choice if you:

• Are expecting Fibre to become available in your area soon.
• Are renting or in a temporary living situation.
• Want the freedom to switch providers at any time without paying a penalty.

While open-term plans might have a slightly higher monthly cost or require you to buy your modem, the freedom they offer is often worth the trade-off, especially with the copper network being phased out.

ADSL Broadband NZ: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are quick answers to the most common questions we see about ADSL broadband. This section is designed to give you the essential information you need at a glance.

A: The average speed for a standard ADSL connection in New Zealand is around 10 Mbps for downloads and 1 Mbps for uploads. While faster speeds are theoretically possible, your actual performance will depend heavily on your distance from the local exchange and the quality of your copper lines.

A: Yes, absolutely. The copper network that ADSL relies on is being gradually retired and replaced by modern technologies like fibre. The process is happening in stages across the country, and your provider will give you at least six months' notice before you need to switch.

No. For speed, reliability, and performance, than ADSL in every way. Fibre offers dramatically faster download and upload speeds, is more stable, and is built for the demands of modern internet use. The only reason to choose ADSL is if fibre is not yet available at your address.

ADSL uses the copper phone line to provide internet, but you don't necessarily need an active phone service (a dial tone). Most providers offer, which give you just the internet connection without a bundled. This is the most common type of ADSL plan today.

Ready to Compare ADSL Plans?

You now have all the expert information you need to understand ADSL broadband in New Zealand. The final and most important step is to see which providers and specific plans are available at your address.

Our comparison tool makes this easy. Just enter your address to instantly see a list of ADSL deals in your area, letting you compare prices, modem costs, and contract terms all in one place. Find the right plan and get connected today.

🔄 This guide is updated monthly with current pricing, promotions, and provider changes. Bookmark this page for the best ADSL broadband plans and comparison data.

Disclaimer: Pricing and offers subject to change. Always confirm current rates and terms with providers before signing up. Rankings based on publicly available data and may not reflect individual experiences.