Best broadband plans for Video Conferencing

Online Zoom meeting from home
Monday, 24 August 2020

The Commerce Commission’s latest Measuring Broadband New Zealand report, from independent testing partner SamKnows, looked at broadband video conferencing performance for free accounts for the first time.

Before 2019, the importance of good videoconferencing performance may not have been high on your list when choosing a new broadband plan. But as 2020 has developed in unprecedented and unexpected ways, videoconferencing is increasingly vital as we work and learn from home.

The latest Measuring Broadband Report measure the performance of Google Meet, Microsoft Team, Skype and Zoom by looking at latency. The report compared ADSL, VDSL, Fixed Wireless, Fibre 100 and Fibre Max.

What is Latency?

Latency refers to the reaction speed of your network connection. It is measured as the time it takes to send data and receive a reply, measured in milliseconds (ms). The lower the number the better.

Poor latency speeds cause noticeable delays between video and audio – those awkward pauses between you speaking and the other person hearing your voice. Latency is also an important metric for serious online gamers, as issues with latency can delay response times and mean the difference between winning and losing.

How does copper broadband, fibre and fixed wireless compare for Video Conferencing?

"The tests show fibre is best at supporting uninterrupted video calling via increasingly popular platforms including Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype and Zoom. Meanwhile, copper and fixed wireless plans were more likely to experience delays during a call," says Telecommunications Commissioner Tristan Gilbertson.

"COVID-19 has highlighted how important having good home internet is for work and keeping in touch with family and friends. The more volunteers we have, the more detailed we can make our reports and the more we can do to lift internet performance for all New Zealanders."

The report found that:

  • The average latency to Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype and Zoom servers is within a usable range for all plans.
  • ADSL, VDSL, and Fixed Wireless are more likely than Fibre to experience delays during a call,  with higher average latencies across the board,.
  • Zoom free services leverage data centres in the United States, which results in an average latency approximately a tenth of a second higher, compared to the paid version of Zoom which makes use of Zoom’s global data centres, including Australia. The impact of the additional network latency in routing via the USA is imperceptible to most end-users and in rare occasions it may impact end user experience. It should be noted that network latency is just one factor that affects end user experience. For example, the use and efficiency of video compression will also have an impact on user experience.

Top Tips to Improve Video Conferencing Performance in NZ

  1. Quick fix: Mute your microphone when you’re not speaking, so you’re not using internet bandwidth to transmit background noise (and it’s good meeting etiquette anyway!)
  2. Quick fix: disable your webcam video when you don’t need it. If appropriate, try disabling your video to save on internet bandwidth.
  3. Quick fix: try a different platform. If you are using the free version of Zoom and experience delays, try moving your video meeting to the free version of Google Meet, Microsoft team or Skype.
  4. Quick fix: close un-needed apps and programmes running in the background to free up memory.
  5. Permanent fix: upgrade to the paid version. Try upgrading to the paid version of the video conferencing software you use. If you regularly use video conferencing for your business it may be worth the investment
  6. Permanent fix: get the best internet connection you can. Check your broadband speed and look at upgrading to a faster broadband connection.

Check Broadband Speed

Top Fibre Broadband Deals

EXCLUSIVE
62

Unlimited Fibre 300 Sign up to WIN 1 of 3 $500 Prezzy C...

from $65.00 /mo
First 12 months then 97.00/month
300Mbps 100Mbps
Unlimited data
EXCLUSIVE
62

Unlimited Fibre 300 Sign up to WIN 1 of 3 $500 Prezzy C...

Sign up to Slingshot's 300Mbps Unlimited Fibre Plan and pay ONLY $65/month PLUS go into WIN 1 of 3 $500 Prezzy Cards this month! *Offer ends April 1st, 2024. New customers only. T&Cs apply. Sign up o...
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

12 months

Included features

Family filter

Terms and conditions

  • Offer is available to new customers only.
  • A minimum 12-month contract applies. Early Termination fee of $250 applies.
  • Not available in conjunction with any other offer. 
  • Offer will revert to standard prices as advertised on Slingshot.co.nz after 12 months.
  • The promotion is valid for a limited time only and is subject to change by Slingshot without notice.
  • Free standard installation.
  • Brand new Orbi Wi-Fi 6 Router is $5/month rental with a one-off $14.95 delivery charge or Bring your own device.
  • Additional add on MESH Satellite units:​
    • 1 Satellite Unit ($5/month) - recommended for homes between 150 and 300sqm
    • 2 Satellite Units ($10/month) - recommended for homes greater than 300sqm
  • Modem to be returned if customer cancels.
  • Refer to the Slingshot website for more FAQ`s regarding modems.
  • Receive $5/m broadband discount for each mobile plan added - no more than 4 mobile plans on the new sign-up are allowed.

Slingshot Broadband Ts&Cs
Bundle Discount Terms & Conditions

EXCLUSIVE
52

Unlimited Fibre 300 Deal Get 6 months HALF PRICE

from $47.50 /mo
First 6 months then 95.00/month
300Mbps 100Mbps
Unlimited data
EXCLUSIVE
52

Unlimited Fibre 300 Deal Get 6 months HALF PRICE

Here’s your chance to join New Zealand’s most Satisfied Broadband Customers on Now broadband. $47.50/m for six months then standard pricing of $95/m applies. Fibre 300 only. 12-month term. T&Cs apply....
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

12 months

Terms and conditions

Naked Unlimited Broadband with six months half price.

1. This offer ends 30th June 2024

2. Only available for new residential customers only.

3. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

4. Adding a phoneline to any plan or offer will be an additional $10 per month.

5. This offer is only available on a 12-month contract term and includes unlimited ADSL, VDSL and Fibre 300/100.

6. Promotional pricing is valid for 6-months only, beginning on the date which your service address is connected on the Now network. After the first 6-months, the standard plan pricing for your selected plan will apply.

7. You can use your own modem, but this must be compatible with the selected Now network. For more information, please refer to https://www.nownz.co.nz/support/technical-support/routerhelp/use-my-router/

8. A Modem can also be purchased with a one-off charge applied to your 1st invoice, alternatively you can split the cost of the Modem into 12 instalments included on your monthly bill. Please note: $14 postage and packaging fee applies for modem delivery.

9. An early termination fee ($199) will apply if you cancel this service prior to the first 12 months after joining. 

Mobile Bundle
26

Ultimate Fibre + Mobile Bundle EXCLUSIVE 6 Months Amazon Prime Video for FRE...

from $74.00 /mo
950Mbps 500Mbps
Unlimited data
Mobile Bundle
26

Ultimate Fibre + Mobile Bundle EXCLUSIVE 6 Months Amazon Prime Video for FRE...

Sign up for a 12-month contract and get Unlimited Broadband for $79/m! Plus, get 6 months of Amazon Prime Video too. T&C's apply. Requires 2degrees Pay Monthly Mobile Plan. 12 month term applies. T&C'...
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

12 months

Included features

Mobile

Terms and conditions

Offer available for a limited time to new customers on a 12 month fixed Unlimited Broadband Plan only. Price includes $10/m Pay Monthly discount. Plan discount: Standard plan charge after 12 months. $15 rental modem shipping fee applies. Early exit fees apply if you end your plan within 12 months. Non-standard installation fees apply. Prime Video: Valid for 6 months after the date of activation. Offer subject to change. Cancel anytime. Amazon.com, Inc. and its affiliates are not sponsors of this promotion. Must activate within 30 days of receiving the activation link email. Prime Video is $8/month after the promotion period. Prime Video and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 2degrees reserves the right to cancel or amend this offer at any time. Broadband and Promotion T&Cs apply. See 2degrees.nz for full T&Cs.

Mobile Bundle
54

Fibre 300 Bundle Get $20/month off plus One NZ Super...

from $75.00 /mo
300Mbps 100Mbps
Unlimited data
Mobile Bundle
54

Fibre 300 Bundle Get $20/month off plus One NZ Super...

Get $10/mth off for the life of the plan when you sign up for an eligible Unlimited broadband plan. Plus, bundle your broadband and One NZ Pay Monthly mobile plan and get an extra $10/mth off! Also,
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

open term

Included features

BYO Router / Mobile / WiFi Extender

Terms and conditions

Broadband: 
Broadband not available everywhere. Residential use only. Non-standard installation charges may apply. Terms apply.
 

SuperWifi Offer:

  • Sign up to Unlimited Broadband, or Wireless Broadband 600GB 12 month term plan, to redeem your SuperWifi units.
  • Wall-to-wall Wifi guaranteed or get $100 broadband credit within 90 days of redemption.
  • Guarantee and $100 credit only available to residential customers.
  • 24-month term applies to SuperWifi. Fees apply if you cancel or transfer your plan or billing account within 24 months. 
  • TP-link Deco App required. Coverage can be impacted by factors such as network conditions and environmental factors.
  • Offer may be amended or withdrawn by Vodafone at any time.
  • SuperWifi terms apply


$10 Per Month For life of plan

  • Offer only available to new customers, when signing onto a 12 month or open term Unlimited or Ultimate Home broadband Fibre100, FibreMax, VDSL, ADSL or HFC Max plan. Or who sign onto a 12 month 4G Wireless broadband 300GB, 600GB or unlimited 4G broadband or 5G broadband plan.
  • Only applies to the standard monthly plan charge.
  • Not available with other offers. 
  • Offer may be withdrawn at anytime.
  • Full Promotional Terms and Conditions

BYO Modem offer - open term plans:

  • Only available on One NZ open term Unlimited Fibre, VDSL and ADSL broadband plans.
  • To see what modem compatibility is required, click here.
  • Voice calling over broadband (VoIP) only available on One NZ Ultra Hub range, HG659 or newer One NZ modems.
  • Broadband speeds and connection quality may be affected.
  • BYO Modem T&C's
EXCLUSIVE
44

Unlimited Fibre 300 Get $22 off your standard price for...

from $75.00 /mo
First 12 months then 97.00/month
300Mbps 100Mbps
Unlimited data
EXCLUSIVE
44

Unlimited Fibre 300 Get $22 off your standard price for...

Sign up for the Orcon Fibre plan through Broadband Compare and get $22 monthly discount for 12 months! Bundle your broadband and power and get 10% bundle discount on both services. Get $5/mth off for
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

12 months

Terms and conditions

  • 12-month term applies to all plans, exit fees of $250 apply.
  • Standard pricing applies after 12 months.
  • **Average Orcon Fibre plan (Fibre 100 or Fibre 300, depending on location) or Fibre Pro plan (Fibre Max) download/upload speeds with compatible modem at busy times (SamKnows December 2021 or Orcon November 2021). Experienced speeds may be higher or lower. For more information on how we measure speeds visits.(SamKnows December 2021)  More info
  • An extra 10% discount applies for Power and Broadband Bundles. The 10% discount is applied after all other offers. 

Full T&Cs's

Related news
Why Don’t More Households Change Broadband Provider? Despite Huge Potential Savings, The Majority of Kiwis Remain Reluctant to Switch
A recent NZ Compare survey revealed that many Kiwis are reluctant to switch broadband providers. But did you know that switching provider can unlock...
28/03/2024
More Power Providers Bundle Up
More power providers offer broadband bundles, offering Kiwis billing convenience, and in, some cases, SAVINGS.
22/03/2024
Mercury Launches Mercury Broadband
Mercury Launches Mercury Broadband and there are great bundles for savings and billing convenience!
22/03/2024
Login
×
Log in with
Sign up for free NZ Compare account
×
Log in with
3 Great Offers
×
Unlimited Fibre Broadband from $70/m
Plus 6 months Prime Video free
Say whaaaaaaat!! Limited time only. 
T&Cs apply.
Unlimited Fibre Broadband from $70/m
Plus 6 months Prime Video free
Say whaaaaaaat!! Limited time only.
T&Cs apply.
Ears to a great Easter 
with 6 months half price! 🥚🐣🐰
Zeronet = Same internet, but better for the planet. They plant 5 trees for every customer.
Ears to a great Easter
with 6 months half price! 🥚🐣🐰
Zeronet = Same internet, but better for the planet. They plant 5 trees for every customer.
$89.95/m for 12 months, 
then standard pricing of 
$105/m applies. 12-month term. 
T&Cs apply. Offer closes 1 April 2024.
$89.95/m for 12 months,
then standard pricing of
$105/m applies. 12-month term. 
T&Cs apply. Offer closes 1 April 2024.