While New Zealand has seen improvements in broadband speeds, it is falling behind in the global race, according to the latest Ookla Speedtest Global Index.
The December 2024 report positions New Zealand at 29th worldwide for fixed-line broadband speeds—a significant drop from its 12th place ranking in September 2023.
New Zealand’s broadband landscape has shown both advances and challenges over recent years. The latest data from Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index reveals that while median fixed-line broadband speeds in New Zealand have increased to 176.81 Mbps, up from 167.56 Mbps in September 2023, the nation’s global ranking has slipped.
In December 2024, New Zealand was ranked 29th in fixed-line broadband speeds globally, a significant fall from 12th place just over a year earlier.
Global Comparisons
Internationally, New Zealand’s current speeds still compare favorably against the global median of 96.45 Mbps. However, leaders like Singapore boast median speeds of 330.98 Mbps, highlighting a significant gap.
Even Australia, which ranked 87th in September 2023 with speeds of 54.98 Mbps, has shown substantial improvement, moving up to 79th place with a median speed of 78.47 Mbps—a nearly 50 percent increase.
Factors Affecting New Zealand’s Broadband Performance
Several factors contribute to New Zealand’s declining position in the global broadband rankings:
• Ultrafast Broadband Network Completion: The government-supported Ultrafast Broadband (UFB) network, which covers 87 percent of the population, has ceased expansion. This leaves 13 percent of the population with potentially poorer speeds, impacting the national median.
• High Use of Fixed Wireless: New Zealand has a higher proportion of fixed wireless broadband users compared to other countries. While convenient, fixed wireless generally offers slower speeds than wired connections, thus lowering the overall median.
• Router Quality: The quality of routers and home WiFi setups in New Zealand may also play a role in the country’s falling rankings, as Ookla’s Speedtest measures speeds from the device to the web.
Reasons for Optimism
Despite the relative decline in global rankings, the situation is not dire. New Zealand’s broadband speeds have doubled since September 2021 when the median speed was 92.05 Mbps. Additionally, the current speed of 176.81 Mbps is adequate for most applications, ensuring that users can enjoy streaming, gaming, and other high-demand activities without significant issues.
The Way Forward
For those outside the UFB coverage area, especially in rural or remote regions, the need for better connectivity is more acute. As global standards rise, there is a pressing need for policies that extend high-speed internet access to every corner of New Zealand.
Compare and Choose the Best Broadband Plan
Given the rapid changes in broadband technology and offerings, it’s crucial for New Zealanders to stay informed about their options. Whether you’re inside or outside the UFB coverage area, comparing available broadband plans can help you find a faster, more reliable connection.
Compare Broadband Plans Now – Don’t settle for less; check if you’re on the best plan for your needs and explore new options to get the most out of your internet connection.
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