FAQs
The following FAQs answer common questions relating to ultra-fast broadband in the areas of:
Equipment in the home
Will I have to rewire my home?
No. The installation that Ultrafast Fibre provides can have a wireless router connected to it giving you the ability to use wireless throughout your house. In saying that, however, exciting new services that are only possible over fibre broadband will become available over time and some of these may require new wiring. The wiring required has been around for many years so your house may already be wired to provide the full fibre experience.
Can I still use Wi-Fi?
If you currently use Wi-Fi technology to connect your computer and other devices to broadband, you’ll still be able to do this with fibre broadband.
Will it cost a lot?
Each broadband services provider has their own pricing package. We encourage you to get quotes from several providers in your area, so that you can get the best price and service package that suits your needs.
Can I use the modem/router and other equipment I have now for my broadband or do I need to replace it?
If you currently have broadband, your modem and router are both located in the same box. With fibre broadband, there will be two separate ‘boxes.' One of these boxes is the modem, which can be located almost anywhere in your home. The modem is provided free by Ultrafast Fibre when we connect your home into the network. The second ‘box’ you’ll need is the router, which is a small box you can set on your desk or bench top. This router box is provided by your broadband service provider and the price is sometimes part of your connection package. Some telecommunications service providers may recommend that you retain your existing wireless router or provide an additional device in order to deliver specific services that they provide.
Will my existing telephone work?
Yes. Your existing telephone should still work. With the addition of a simple adaptor your existing phone should plug straight into the modem that Utrafast Fibre installs inside your house. Your telecommunications service provider may choose to offer you a new telephone system that is packaged with a wireless router.
Will my home alarm work?
Some modern monitored home alarm systems will work fine over fibre broadband with some slight modifications that can be done by your monitoring company. The monitoring component on older alarms will not work on fibre broadband. While the alarm and the alarm siren will still go off, the technology it uses to alert the monitoring company will not work on the new fibre network. Customers should contact their alarm services provider to find out whether their alarm system can be upgraded to work over the ultra-fast broadband network.
Will my Sky TV still work?
Your Sky TV viewing and reception will be unaffected by the installation of fibre broadband in your home. Sky TV currently has a system that allows you to order movies or other pay-per-view services directly from your Sky Box. Some broadband retailers will ensure this service still works. We recommend you talk to your broadband retailer to discuss this further if you have questions. New Internet-based TV services designed specifically to run over the new fibre network are expected to become available in New Zealand in the near future.
Broadband performance
After I move to ultra-fast broadband, are there other factors that could affect the speed and quality of the service I enjoy?
Everyone should enjoy much better broadband performance on the ultra-fast broadband network because it has much greater capacity for delivering services to the home and is not limited by distance. If you don’t, you should contact your telecommunications service provider. In saying that, there are a range of factors outside the fibre connection that can affect the performance of ultra-fast broadband at your place. Your telecommunications service provider can help you identify these factors if they are an issue.
What can I do to maximise the performance of my ultra-fast broadband service?
The age, capability and condition of your computer and other devices can affect the performance of services and content delivered over fibre. Upgrading or replacing your computer or other devices can improve broadband performance
Do data caps limit the performance of fibre broadband?
It is likely that customers could tend to use more data more quickly when connected to ultra-fast broadband because they can enjoy more advanced services and better quality content. To avoid the inconvenience of running out of data or being charged if you go over your data limit, discuss the data cap with your telecommunications service provider when you sign up for fibre broadband.
What are the factors that are out of my control?
The main factor out of your control is the distance data must travel from where it is stored to your home computer or device. Content stored overseas, such as international websites or the majority of YouTube videos may be affected by the speed it can travel though the international cable. Today, there is one international cable connecting New Zealand to the rest of the world so capacity is limited.
Connecting homes
What will it cost me to connect to ultra-fast broaband at my home?
Ultrafast Fibre does not charge to connect almost any home onto the Ultrafast Fibre network. Please discuss any possible connection charges with your broadband services provider.
I live in a block of flats or apartment. Will I get my own fibre connection?
Yes, as long as the building owner or Body Corporate has agreed to Ultrafast Fibre installing fibre. Once the building owner or Body Corporate has agreed to installing fibre to your block of flats or apartments, fibre will be provided all the way to the home of each individual tenant in a multi-dwelling property.
