For Kiwis who don't have access to fibre, fixed wireless plans can be a great alternative, helping to bridge the barrier for connection, and getting even the most rural Kiwis online from their homes and businesses.
Unlike fibre, wireless doesn’t use cables under the ground to transmit data. It uses radio waves, transmitted from cell towers to transmit data. The towers emit the radio waves into the surrounding area. If you have a modem within that reach, it will pick up on the signal, allowing you to send and receive data. Broadband providers typically offer wireless plans on their 4G and 5G networks. If you are considering getting a fixed wireless plan, it’s important to know the pros and cons of this service so you can make a fully informed decision on whether this is the right choice for you!
Wireless offers speeds a lot faster than copper and VDSL. It makes basic video streaming a lot smoother, perfect for a Friday night to tune into the latest show.
Latency refers to the time it takes for messages and information to send and receive. Wireless plans, especially those on the 5G network, have a very low latency, making it ideal for those who work from home, and wish to jump on video calls.
As wireless networks have a higher bandwidth than copper and VSDL, it makes it a lot more of a reliable option for those who can’t get connected to fibre. Bear in mind, that if too many devices are connected, you may notice dropouts in connection and reliability.
Wireless networks rely on cell towers. The coverage can be limited depending on the reach of the signal, and your location. If there are trees or buildings blocking the path of the signal, the coverage can be disrupted.
Wireless plans are best suited for smaller to medium households who don’t have lots of devices connected to the internet at the same time. Generally, if you want the best connection and experience while streaming a TV show, have only one or two devices connected. This will help prevent that annoying buffering! As such, wireless plans aren’t typically suitable for larger families, or those who have lots of devices connected at the same time. It may be worth considering whether you can get fibre installed.
If you have decided that wireless is a good option for you, be sure to jump on Broadband Compare to compare fixed wireless plans. This is the best way to find the cheapest wireless plan. Simply jump on our website, type in your address, and select any filters. We will show you all the options available to you so you can compare them all side-by-side and choose the best option. When comparing, you are more likely to find the best deal, saving you money in both the short and long term, and empower yourself to choose the plan that delivers value. Make a fully informed choice within just a few minutes, and save money today!
