If you’ve ever tried to find that one magical spot with a bar of coverage in rural New Zealand, you’re not alone. Having spent years working at Spark’s West Coast Hub, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be to get reliable service in some of the most remote corners of the country. Fortunately, technology has come a long way since the days of clunky antennas and patchy connections. Now, rural broadband options cater to a wide range of needs, from basic browsing to high-speed streaming - even in the most isolated areas.
Here’s a look at the most promising options for rural New Zealand, focusing on satellite and wireless broadband.
Wireless Rural Broadband
Wireless broadband uses cell towers to deliver internet to your home. It's ideal for areas with 4G or 5G coverage.
Top Providers
One NZ
Price: Plans start from $65/month.
Speed: Up to 40 Mbps, depending on your location.
Accessibility: Uses 4G and 5G networks; coverage depends on proximity to cell towers.
Spark
Price: Plans start from $85/month.
Speed: Similar to One NZ, with unlimited data options available.
Accessibility: Also relies on 4G and 5G networks, covering 99% of where New Zealanders live.
Satellite Broadband
For areas where cell towers are out of reach, satellite broadband delivers internet directly via satellites.
Top Providers
Starlink
Price: $199/month, plus $799 for hardware.
Speed: Up to 200 Mbps.
Accessibility: Excellent for remote locations, but higher latency.
Farmside
Price: From $149/month.
Speed: Up to 50 Mbps, suitable for light-to-moderate internet use.
Accessibility: Designed for rural New Zealanders with tailored plans.
Gravity Internet
Price: From $129/month.
Speed: Up to 50 Mbps.
Accessibility: Focuses on affordability while providing reliable satellite service.
What About One NZ’s Collaboration with SpaceX?
One NZ is teaming up with SpaceX to offer a game-changing satellite-to-mobile service:
What It Does: Lets your mobile connect directly to SpaceX’s low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites when cell towers aren’t an option.
Compatibility: Works with most modern smartphones—no extra gadgets needed.
Rollout Timeline: Text messaging launches late 2024; voice and data to follow.
Cost: Free for eligible plans during the initial rollout, with further pricing to be confirmed.
This could be a breakthrough for truly remote locations, offering unprecedented connectivity.
Revved Refunds: Staying Connected Matters
When you’re filing your fuel tax refunds from your home office, a reliable internet connection makes life easier. At Revved Refunds, we love hearing from our customers—whether it’s an email or a phone call. We’re not affiliated with any specific broadband provider, but we want to make sure you have the information you need to choose the best rural broadband solution for your needs. Learn how we can help you save here.
FAQ's: What’s the Best Rural Internet?
What is the best broadband for rural areas in New Zealand?
When it comes to rural broadband in New Zealand, there are two main types of coverage: mobile broadband and satellite broadband. Both options have their benefits depending on your location and specific needs.
Mobile broadband: For those who are within range of mobile towers, Spark, Vodafone, and 2degrees offer coverage in many rural regions. This is a flexible option that lets you access the internet across your property, great for farms and remote areas where mobile service is available.
Satellite broadband: If you're in a more isolated spot with limited or no mobile coverage, satellite broadband like Farmside and SkyNet is a reliable choice. While speeds might not be as fast as other types of broadband, it's an effective solution for getting connected when no other options are available.
One NZ is currently working on a partnership with SpaceX to offer mobile broadband via low-earth orbit satellites, which could dramatically improve coverage in hard-to-reach areas. However, the rollout of this service for customers is still expected to be a few years away (around 2025-2026). (Sources: Cilt, Media One)
What's the best internet for rural areas?
The best internet for rural areas is dependent on your exact location and needs:
Satellite broadband remains the best option for the most remote areas with limited mobile reception. Providers like Farmside and SkyNet provide stable internet connections where mobile data can’t reach.
Mobile broadband is a great choice if you have access to mobile coverage and need flexibility for connecting to the internet across your farm or rural property.
With One NZ potentially bringing mobile satellite broadband to rural areas in the next few years, this could offer more flexible coverage for those in remote locations. However, for now, satellite and mobile broadband remain the primary options.