Farmside Broadband Review

​We review Farmside broadband's plans and outline the pros and cons of each, benefits and how to get the best price

Updated 6 January 2021
Summary: 
  • Farmside in a Nutshell: Farmside is a broadband provider that specializes in serving rural and hard-to-reach areas in New Zealand. To do this, it has the support of the telecommunications network of its parent company, Vodafone, as well as specialized satellite services.
  • Coverage: FarmSide provides broadband services to rural and remote areas of New Zealand
  • Plans and Pricing: FarmSide offers a total of 28 plans, which we have grouped according to the broadband technology used in ADSL/VDSL Broadband/Phone Plans (starting from $84.99/month), RBI Wireless Broadband/Phone Plans (starting from $95.99/month), Fibre Broadband/Phone Plans (starting from $79.99/month), and Satellite Broadband/Phone Plans (starting from $99.00/month). In addition, FarmSide also offers special broadband plans for the Chatham Islands (starting from $102.35/month) and Haast (starting from $108.99/month)​

How to get the best price on FarmSide broadband plan: 
  1. New Customers: Plans with FarmSide are cheapest when you bundle the broadband service with a phone line and sign up for 24-months and don't plan to change providers for at least 24 months (therefore avoiding the early exit fee).
  2. Renewing: If you're happy with FarmSide and would like to continue, the best approach is to compare the pricing when your contract comes up for renewal. If FarmSide is offering a better deal than the renew rate, contact their support team and ask for them to apply it to your account.
 
Our review: 
In this guide, we detail the pros and cons of all FarmSide plans, compare the plans side-by-side, and outline those most suitable for FarmSide for broadband. We cover:

FarmSide Broadband Set Up and Installation Charges

Know this first: When comparing broadband providers, service setup charges are an essential part of the deal. In the case of FarmSide, the installation cost will depend on the type of broadband technology used – the four choices are ADSL/VDSL, RBI (3G/4G wireless), Fibre, and Satellite. The differences in cost are quite significant: 
  1. ADSL/VDSL, RBI, and Fibre: The modem, is free, you only have to pay a $15 fee for postage and handling. Standard installation is also free, however, in the case of RBI and fibre broadband services additional non-standard fees may apply depending on your location.
  2. Satellite: The satellite broadband service requires a special satellite modem and outdoor equipment at your premise. Although FarmSide retains ownership of the modem and equipment used during installation you have to pay a standard installation fee of $799. Depending on the area where you live and the location of the satellite hardware you might have to pay additional installation fees. For more information, read FarmSide Terms & Conditions
 
Important: 
  • FarmSide services are not available in some areas of New Zealand, you can check broadband availability by visiting FarmSide website.

FarmSide Broadband Customer Service and Outage Support

  • FarmSide Customer Care Hours are 8 am -  7 pm, during weekdays and 9 am to 5:30 pm on weekends and public holidays. There's a free phone number as well as remote support designed to help you in case your internet is not working.

How fast is a FarmSide broadband connection?

The speed of your internet connection will be determined by the type of line available in your area. Depending on your location, FarmSide may have ADSL, VDSL, Fibre, Satellite, or 3G/4G Rural Broadband Internet (RBI) lines available. Below is a reference of what to expect from each line: 
  • FarmSide’ ADSL Speed: Up to 10Mbps download speed / 1Mbps upload speed
  • FarmSide’ VDSL Speed: Up to 50Mbps download speed / 10Mbps upload speed
  • FarmSide’ RBI (3G) Speed: Up to 10Mbps download speed / 1Mbps upload speed
  • FarmSide’ RBI (4G) Speed: Up to 36Mbps download speed / 10Mbps upload speed
  • FarmSide’ Fibre Speed: Up to 100Mbps download speed / 20Mbps upload speed
  • FarmSide’ Satellite Speed: Up to 16Mbps download speed / 2Mbps upload speed

Comparing FarmSide Plans - ADSL/VDSL vs RBI vs Fibre vs Satellite Plan

FarmSide offers 6 fixed-line broadband plans and 22 wireless/satellite broadband plans, that for your convenience we have grouped in ADSL/VDSL Broadband/Phone Plans, RBI Wireless Broadband/Phone Plans, Fibre Broadband/Phone Plans, and Satellite Broadband/Phone Plans. We outline the offering of each, as well as the pros and cons. 

FarmSide ADSL/VDSL Broadband Plans Review

Summary: This plan offers the cheapest alternative to enjoying high-speed broadband internet in rural New Zealand households, ideal for light video streaming and basic/moderate web usage. 
  • Pricing: $84.99/month (naked Unlimited ADSL/VDSL broadband), $84.99/month (80GB ADSL/VDSL broadband & phone), $94.99/month (Unlimited ADSL/VDSL broadband & phone) – VDSL up to 50Mbps download speed / 10Mbps upload speed, ADSL up to 10Mbps download speed / 1Mbps upload speed
  • Discount: When you sign up for a 24-month unlimited plan you get a free modem ($15 postage and handling fee applies) and one-month free of charge.
  • Learn more: For more details regarding the ADSL/VDSL plans visit FarmSide' ADSL/VDSL page
 
The Pros: 
  1. Unlimited data transfer plans are available
  2. Phone landline plans are available
  3. You can get one month free when signing up for 24-month an unlimited broadband plan
  4. You can add unlimited free calling to all NZ landlines for $10/month
  5. Cost-efficient high-speed broadband good for basic/moderate internet usage
  6. Free modem (you only pay a $15 postage and handling fee)
  7. Free installation when you sign up for broadband with FarmSide
 
The Cons: 
  1. By default, all ADSL/VDSL plans require signing up either a 12-month or a 24-month fixed-term contract. If you are interested in an open term contract then you will have to contact FarmSide sales team to discuss the conditions and rates of such plan.
  2. The 80GB plan could be somewhat limiting for large households
  3. On the 80GB plan, you will have to pay $2.00 per each additional GB consumed
  4. If you cancel the 12/24 month contract before it ends you will have to return the modem in addition to paying an early termination fee to be determined by FarmSide at the time.
  5. ADSL/VDSL plans are not available in all areas. You can check availability by visiting FarmSide ADSL/VDSL page.

FarmSide RBI Wireless Broadband Plans Review

Summary: FarmSide's RBI Wireless Broadband plans give New Zealand households located in rural or hard-to-reach areas the opportunity to enjoy high-speed internet at a reasonable price
  • Pricing: $95.99/month (naked 120GB RBI Wireless Broadband), $105.99/month (120GB RBI Wireless Broadband & phone), $155.99/month (naked 200GB RBI Wireless Broadband), $165.99/month (200GB RBI Wireless Broadband & phone) – 4G Network up to 36Mbps download speed / 10Mbps upload speed, 3G Network up to 10Mbps download speed / 1Mbps upload speed
  • Discount: When you sign up for a 24-month 120GB or 200GB plan you get a free modem ($15 postage and handling fee applies) and one-month free of charge.
  • Learn more: For more details regarding the ADSL/VDSL plans visit FarmSide' RBI Broadband page
 
The Pros:
  1. Wireless phone plans are available
  2. You can get one month free when signing up for a 24-month broadband plan
  3. Free national & local calling
  4. Cost-efficient high-speed broadband good for basic/moderate internet usage
  5. You can add a 150GB data booster upgrade for $15 or an Unlimited data booster upgrade for $29. Special conditions and schedules apply.
  6. Free modem (you only pay a $15 postage and handling fee)
  7. Free installation when you sign up for broadband with FarmSide
 
The Cons:
  1. All RBI Broadband plans require signing up either a 12-month or a 24-month fixed-term contract. If you are interested in an open term contract then you will have to contact FarmSide sales team to discuss the conditions and rates of such plan.
  2. If you cancel the 12/24 month contract before it ends you will have to pay an early termination fee that can vary from $99 to $458.85 depending on the months remaining on your fixed term agreement. For more details read FarmSide Terms & Conditions.
  3. RBI Wireless Broadband plans are not available in all areas. You can check availability by visiting FarmSide RBI Wireless Broadband page.

FarmSide Fibre Broadband Plans Review

Summary: Where available, FarmSide’s Fibre Broadband Plans offer the fastest connection speed ideal for audio/video streaming, content creation, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive applications. 
  • Pricing: $79.99/month (naked Unlimited Fibre broadband), $79.99/month (110GB Fibre broadband & phone), $89.99/month (Unlimited Fibre broadband & phone) – up to 100Mbps download speed / 20Mbps upload speed. All prices are based on a 24-month term contract, add $10 for 12-month term contracts.
  • Discount: When you sign up for a 24-month unlimited plan you get a free modem ($15 postage and handling fee applies) and one-month free of charge.
  • Learn more: For more details regarding the Fibre plans visit FarmSide' Fibre Broadband page
 
The Pros: 
  1. Unlimited data transfer plans are available
  2. Fast and reliable fibre broadband, excellent for all types of users
  3. Offers the best price/value ratio within FarmSide plans
  4. Wireless phone plans are available
  5. You can get one month free when signing up for a 24-month unlimited broadband plan
  6. Free national & local calling
  7. Cost-efficient high-speed broadband excellent for moderate/advanced internet usage
  8. Free modem (you only pay a $15 postage and handling fee)
  9. Free standard installation when you sign up for broadband with FarmSide. Additional fees might apply if your premise does not have a fibre connection.
 
The Cons: 
  1. By default, all Fibre broadband plans require signing up either a 12-month or a 24-month fixed-term contract. If you are interested in an open term contract then you will have to contact FarmSide sales team to discuss the conditions and rates of such plan.
  2. The 110GB plan could be somewhat limiting for large households
  3. On the 110GB plan, you will have to pay $2.00 per each additional GB consumed
  4. If you cancel the 12/24 month contract before it ends you will have to pay an early termination fee that can vary from $199 to $299 depending on the months remaining on your fixed term agreement. For more details read FarmSide Terms & Conditions.
  5. Fibre broadband plans are not available in all areas. You can check availability by visiting FarmSide Fibre Broadband page.

FarmSide Satellite Broadband Plans Review

Summary: This plan is ideal for Kiwis living in remote areas of New Zealand that require reliable broadband service for leisure or work 
  • Pricing: $99/month (naked 10GB Satellite broadband), $149/month (naked 40GB Satellite broadband), $199/month (Unlimited Satellite broadband) – up to 16Mbps download speed / 2Mbps upload speed. For an extra $20 you can add FarmSide Voice phone capability to any plan.
  • Discount: no discounts apply for these plans.
  • Learn more: For more details regarding the Satellite plans visit FarmSide' Satellite Broadband page
 
The Pros: 
  1. Unlimited data transfer plans are available
  2. You can add a 5GB data booster upgrade for $40 to any limited plan.
  3. A solution for individuals and families living in remote or hard to reach areas of NZ
  4. Wireless phone plans are available
  5. Free national & local calling
  6. Good for basic internet usage
 
The Cons: 
  1. All Satellite broadband plans require signing up a 24-month fixed-term contract. If you are interested in an open term contract then you will have to contact FarmSide sales team to discuss the conditions and rates of such plan.
  2. The 10GB and 40GB plans are very limiting, only good for basic internet usage
  3. On the 10GB and 40GB plans, you will have to pay $0.03 per each additional MB consumed
  4. You have to pay a standard installation fee of $799. However, depending on your location and the location of the satellite hardware you might have to pay additional installation fees. For more information, read FarmSide Terms & Conditions.
  5. For plans including phone service, you will have to pay $124.99 for the required Analog Telephone Adapter
  6. If you cancel the 24-month contract before it ends you will have to pay an early termination fee that can vary from $229.43 to $983.25 depending on the months remaining on your fixed term agreement. For more details read FarmSide Terms & Conditions. 

FarmSide Chatham Islands Broadband Plan Review

Summary: This special plan developed by FarmSide gives Chatham Islands residents the opportunity to enjoy reliable ADSL and/or Wireless connections at home 
  • Pricing: Chatham Islands Lite Plan $102.35/month for naked 20GB broadband ($148.35/month if you want a phone line included), Chatham Islands Regular Plan $125.35/month for naked 50GB broadband ($182.35/month if you want a phone line included), Chatham Islands Plus Plan $159.85/month for naked 80GB broadband ($217.35/month if you want a phone line included)
  • Discount: Unlimited local calls and 250 minutes for national calls for plans including phone lines.
  • Learn more: For more details regarding the Chatham Islands plans visit FarmSide' Chatham Islands Broadband page
 
The Pros: 
  1. ADSL/Wireless (3G/4G) broadband let your household stay connected
  2. Phone lines are available with every broadband plan
  3. Free local calls on plans including phone lines
  4. Good for basic/moderate internet usage
 
The Cons: 
  1. You must sign up a 24-month fixed-term contract. No open term contracts are available.
  2. The 20GB / 50GB data cap could be very limiting, only good for basic internet usage
  3. You will have to pay an extra $2.30 per GB consumed after reaching your data cap
  4. You have to pay a standard installation fee of $363.40. However, depending on your location additional equipment and installation fees may apply. For more information, read FarmSide Terms & Conditions.
  5. If you cancel the 24-month contract before it ends you will have to pay an early termination fee that can vary depending on the months remaining on your fixed term agreement. For more details read FarmSide Terms & Conditions. 

FarmSide Haast Broadband Plan Review

Summary: This special plan developed by FarmSide gives Haast residents the opportunity to enjoy rural broadband connections at home. 
  • Pricing: Haast Lite Plan $108.99/month for naked 40GB broadband ($154.99/month if you want a phone line included), Haast Regular Plan $131.99/month for naked 100GB broadband ($188.99/month if you want a phone line included), Haast Plus Plan $165.99/month for naked Unlimited broadband ($223.99/month if you want a phone line included)
  • Discount: Unlimited local calls and 250 minutes for national calls for plans including phone lines.
  • Learn more: For more details regarding the Haast plans visit FarmSide' Haast Broadband page
 
The Pros: 
  1. High-speed unlimited broadband plans are available
  2. ADSL/Wireless (3G/4G) broadband let your household stay connected at all times
  3. Phone lines are available with every broadband plan
  4. Free local calls on plans including phone lines
  5. Good for basic/moderate internet usage
 
The Cons: 
  1. You must sign up a 24-month fixed-term contract. No open term contracts are available.
  2. The 40GB data plan could be very limiting, only good for basic internet usage
  3. You will have to pay an extra $2.00 per GB consumed after reaching your data cap
  4. You have to pay a standard installation fee of $263.35. However, depending on your location additional equipment and installation fees may apply. For more information, read FarmSide Terms & Conditions.
  5. If you cancel the 24-month contract before it ends you will have to pay an early termination fee that can vary depending on the months remaining on your fixed term agreement. For more details read FarmSide Terms & Conditions. 

Which FarmSide Broadband Plan is the Best?

Not all plans offered by FarmSide are available throughout New Zealand, however, it is our opinion that the plan that offers the best price/value ratio is the Fibre Broadband Unlimited plan. If a fibre connection is not available at your location then our suggestion is opting for the ADSL/VDSL Broadband Unlimited plan. And ultimately, for remote areas of New Zealand without fibre or ADSL/VDSL lines, we recommend the RBI Wireless Broadband 120GB plan.

Choosing the Right FarmSide Plan - ADSL/VDSL vs RBI vs Fibre vs Satellite Plan

To determine which plan best suits your needs, consider the following specifications and features:
 
1. Connection Speed: In general terms:
  • ADSL/VDSL Plans offer adequate connection speed for families, couples, and individuals with basic/moderate needs including checking email, reading news, watching YouTube videos, light video streaming from services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and browsing the web.
  • RBI (3G/4G) Plans overall, these plans offer slightly slower speeds than their ADSL/VDSL counterparts. So, depending on the strength of the wireless signal, you can expect similar results when streaming videos and browsing the web.
  • Fibre Plans hands downs, this is the go-to option for enjoying 4k video streaming, high-quality audio streaming, VoIP services, content creation, gaming, and more.
  • Satellite Plans given its high cost and limits on data transmission, this plan should be used only for basic tasks such as browsing news, checking email, and perhaps occasionally watching YouTube videos.

2. Flexibility:
  • Given the nature of the plans offered by FarmSide, all of them require contracting the service for a minimum period of 12 months. Some plans, like the case of satellite services and the special plans for the Chatham Islands and Haast, require a contract of 24 months. This greatly limits flexibility, however, in the most remote areas of New Zealand where there is little access to broadband services this should not be a problem.
 
3. Set-Up Charges:
  • The total cost for equipment and installation of broadband service depends largely on the type of technology used. Thus, this cost can vary from hundreds of dollars (in the case of ADSL/VDSL and Fibre connections) to thousands of dollars (in the case of satellite services). Unfortunately, if you live in hard-to-reach areas, your options in this regard will be quite limited.
 
4. Monthly Costs: FarmSide offers plans ranging from $79.99 per month to $219 per month. If you live in a remote area of New Zealand you may not have much control over which plan to join, as you will have to choose from the options available at your location. However, as a general rule, you should favour plans in the following order: fibre, ADSL/VDSL, RBI (wireless), and satellite as the last option.

FarmSide Broadband Frequently Asked Questions

To help you decide if FarmSide is right for your home, we've included several frequently asked questions to help you know more about the service.​

Is FarmSide available at my address?

FarmSide specializes in providing broadband and phone services to rural areas of NZ - you'll need to type in your address to see if you're covered. You can do that here under See Availability.

​Does FarmSide offer a free modem?

Yes, FarmSide offers a free modem with its Fibre plans and ADSL/VDSL plans. However, you will have to pay equipment and installation fees for RBI, satellite, and special broadband plans.

Does FarmSide offer additional perks?

FarmSide offer copper and wireless phone lines at an additional cost on most of its broadband plans.

Does FarmSide offer an open term contract?

All FarmSide plans require you to sign up a fixed-term contract. However, some plans (like ADSL/VDSL, fibre, and RBI plans) allow you to discuss a possible open term contract with FarmSide’s sales team.

Does FarmSide offer discounts for broadband plans?

Yes - FarmSide’s ADSL/VDSL, Fibre, and RBI Plans offer one month free of charge when signing up a 24-month fixed-term contract

Who owns FarmSide?

FarmSide is owned and partially operated by Vodafone.

Does FarmSide offer a home phone add-on with its broadband plans?

Yes – FarmSide provides the option to include phone voice services, either wired or wireless, in all its plans.
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