Cheapest Unlimited Broadband NZ 2026: Plans Under $70

If your broadband bill feels like it’s creeping up every year, you’re not imagining it — especially with price hikes arriving from August 1st, 2026. But a handful of no-frills ISPs are still offering unlimited data for under $70 a month, and this guide breaks down exactly what you can get right now, whether you’re on fibre, wireless, or thinking about Starlink.

Average NZ internet bill (2026): $75–$85/month ·
Cheapest unlimited fibre plan (entry): $63.59/month (360Net via broadbandcompare.co.nz) ·
Starlink monthly cost in NZ: $159/month (hardware extra) ·
Price hike from August 1st, 2026: Estimated $5–$10/month increase on some plans

Here is the hard data you need to make a decision.

Why is broadband so expensive in NZ?

Infrastructure costs and geographic spread

• New Zealand’s low population density means fibre networks must cover long distances for fewer customers. Chorus (wholesale network operator) has invested heavily in UFB, and those costs are passed on to ISPs.
• Remote rural areas are especially expensive to connect, often requiring wireless or satellite alternatives.

Wholesale price changes from Chorus

• Chorus increased wholesale UFB prices in 2026, which directly pushed retail prices upward. Spark (official price-increase notice) confirms a $5.00 increase on most fibre plans.
• One NZ also raised prices: Fibre Starter from $65 to $70, Fibre Everyday from $96 to $101 (One NZ (provider price page)).

Impact of August 1st price hikes on consumers

• Multiple ISPs announced increases taking effect from August 1st, 2026. The exact amount varies by plan, but most customers will see $5–$10 added to their monthly bill.
• For those on the cheapest plans (under $70), the hike could erase the savings advantage unless they lock in a long-term deal or switch providers.

Wholesale cost increases and geographic challenges mean NZ broadband is inherently dearer than in densely populated markets like Singapore or South Korea. But competition among no-frills ISPs still keeps entry-level plans under $70.

How much does Wi-Fi cost per month in NZ?

Average monthly cost for unlimited fibre plans

• Research from MoneyBalance (NZ personal finance site) puts the average NZ household fibre bill at $75–$100/month.
• Data from Glimp (broadband comparison platform) shows Skinny’s Unlimited Fibre 300 at $75 (open term) and Spark’s Essential Fibre 300 + Netflix at $95 (open term).

Cheapest entry-level unlimited plans ($63–$75/month)

• The absolute cheapest unlimited fibre plan is 360Net at $63.59/month, listed on Broadband Compare (NZ comparison site).
• Skinny’s Fibre 300 at $75/month is another strong contender with no lock-in contract.

Wireless broadband pricing vs fibre

• Wireless plans can be even cheaper: Skinny’s 4G Unlimited plan is $55/month (MoneyBalance (broadband comparison)).
• One NZ’s 5G Wireless runs about $60/month, and 2degrees 5G Wireless is around $70/month (NewZealand-Finance (comparison site)).

The implication: for urban users, fibre delivers more speed per dollar; for rural users or those who prioritise price over speed, wireless is a legit under-$60 option.

What is the alternative to Starlink in New Zealand?

Fibre broadband (UFB) – speeds up to 1 Gbps

• Fibre is available to 87% of NZ households (Chorus data). It’s far cheaper than Starlink: plans start at $63.59/month vs Starlink’s $159/month.
• Speed advantage: Even a basic 50 Mbps fibre plan is adequate for streaming and remote work, and 300–1000 Mbps plans cost $75–$115.

Wireless broadband from One NZ, Skinny, Spark

• One NZ’s SuperWiFi and Skinny’s 4G wireless plans offer unlimited data from $55–$70/month.
• These are good for users in areas without fibre, though speeds can vary with network congestion.

4G/5G fixed wireless alternatives

• Both One NZ and 2degrees offer 5G fixed wireless in coverage zones, with plans around $60–$70/month.
• Starlink’s Residential Lite plan (reported at $85/month) is cheaper than the standard $159 plan but still expensive vs fibre.

The pattern: unless you live in a truly fibre-free rural zone, Starlink is hard to justify on cost alone. Fibre and wireless are both substantially cheaper, and often faster.

Who is the best fibre broadband provider in NZ?

Price comparison: cheapest fibre plans

Four plans, one pattern: the cheapest unlimited options come from smaller ISPs or those with no-frills offerings.

The trade-off: cheapest plans often have slower speeds (50 Mbps) and minimal extras. 360Net’s $63.59 plan is genuinely unlimited, but speeds may not suit heavy households.

Speed and reliability ratings

• Canstar’s July 2026 best deals page lists Fibre Classic (500/100 Mbps) at $99/month and Fibre Max (900/500 Mbps) at $115/month (Canstar NZ (comparison site)).
• Broadband Compare also shows 500 Mbps plans from $99/month.

Customer service and contract flexibility

• Skinny and Slingshot offer month-to-month contracts, ideal for seniors or those avoiding lock-ins.
• Spark and One NZ typically require 12-month terms, though early exit fees may be waived in limited cases.

The pattern: if you want the absolute cheapest, go with 360Net or Skinny on a no-contract. For faster speeds and bundled extras (Netflix, etc.), Spark and Canstar-recommended providers are better but cost more.

What is the average internet bill in NZ?

Bills by provider and plan type

• $75–$85/month is the typical range for an unlimited fibre plan at 300 Mbps, according to MoneyBalance (cost-of-living data).
• Budget plans (50 Mbps) go for $63–$70; premium plans (900 Mbps) sit at $105–$116.

Costs for fibre 50/100/300/1000 Mbps

The pricing tiers show a clear jump between entry-level and high-speed fibre.

The catch: the “average” bill disguises a wide gap between basic and full-speed plans. Most households on 300 Mbps pay around $85, which is close to the national average.

Price trends and future outlook

• Prices are rising across the board from August 1st, with increases of $5–$10 per month.
• Wireless plans may become more popular if fibre prices continue climbing, especially among renters and budget-conscious households.

The implication: average bills will likely inch toward $90–$100 by end of 2026 unless consumers actively switch to cheaper plans or wireless alternatives.

Steps to choose the cheapest unlimited broadband in NZ

1. Check fibre availability – Enter your address on Broadband Compare (coverage checker) to see if UFB is available. 87% of households have access.
2. Compare plans side by side – Use comparison tools like Canstar (deals comparison) or Glimp to see current pricing for unlimited fibre plans.
3. Consider no-contract options – If you value flexibility, choose Skinny, 360Net, or Slingshot. No lock-in means you can switch if a better deal appears.
4. Check senior discounts – Skinny offers a $10/month discount for eligible seniors. Verify eligibility directly with the provider.
5. Evaluate wireless as a budget alternative – If fibre is too expensive or unavailable, look at Skinny 4G ($55) or One NZ 5G ($60) for unlimited data.

The implication: the cheapest plan for you depends on your address and speed needs. For most urban users, a no-contract fibre 50 plan under $70 is the sweet spot.

What’s confirmed – and what’s still unclear

What industry experts say

“We’ve listed the cheapest unlimited fibre plan at $63.59 per month for July 2026 – a no-frills option that undercuts most competitors by over $10.”

MoneyHub NZ (editorial comparison page)

“Our wholesale price adjustments reflect ongoing investment in the fibre network to support growing demand.”

Chorus (wholesale provider)

“Fibre Classic at $99/month for 500/100Mbps remains one of the best value-for-speed deals in the market.”

Canstar NZ (comparison site, July 2026 best deals)

“The cheapest wireless option continues to be Skinny’s 4G Unlimited plan at $55/month – ideal for renters and light users.”

MoneyBalance (NZ finance comparison)

For households already feeling the pinch, the decision is clear: lock in a no-contract cheap fibre plan before August 1st, or switch to wireless if you want the absolute lowest ongoing cost. The price hikes are coming, but you don’t have to take them lying down.

Frequently asked questions