Vodafone has announced that it will increase its ultrafast, copper and cable broadband plans from February by $3 per month, in a move that will increase broadband bills for about 400,000 households.
Vodafone said in a statement to customers that the price increase was needed because the cost of providing broadband had been increasing. The increase will not affect customers who have signed up to Vodafone’s home wireless broadband service, but all other home broadband customers will see their bills rise.
Vodafone’s price increase follows in the tracks of market leader Spark, who increased the price of their copper broadband plans by $5 a month in October, affecting about 350,000 households in New Zealand.
Vodafone’s sweeping price increase includes both copper cable and ultrafast broadband plans, creating a grand total of 750,000 homes that have been affected by price increases since October.
Spark Managing Director Simon Moutter warned last year that Spark was also likely to increase its fibre broadband (UFB) plans. So there may be more price increases in the pipeline.
An informal user survey on stuff.co.nz indicated that 60% of respondents were planning to shop around for a new broadband provider this year. And there are still some great broadband deals around if you don’t want to get caught out by price increases.
At Broadband Compare we make it easy to compare the best deals in your area. Simply enter your address into the Broadband Compare address finder to see the best deals we have available in your area.
How much could you save? Vodafone’s Everyday Home capped data plan is set to increase from $79.99 to $82.99 per month. You could compare the options at Broadband Compare and switch to Slingshot to receive 6 months half price, then pay $69.95 per month on a 12-month contract.
Looking for unlimited data? Vodafone’s Smart Connect unlimited data plan is set to increase from $89.99 to $92.99 for a 12-month plan. Or you could compare the options at Broadband Compare and switch to Orcon. Receive the first 3 months free, then pay just $84.95 per month on a 12-month contract!
