Slingshot Broadband Review

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

Updated 7 March 2021
​Summary:
  • Slingshot in a Nutshell: Slingshot is one of New Zealand's leading broadband, power and mobile service providers, whose main strength is concentrating its efforts on offering the best bundle price for its services.
  • Coverage: Slingshot broadband services are not available in all areas. To find out what type of service is available in your area, visit their website and enter your address.
  • Plans and Pricing: Slingshot offers five plans, the 150GB Broadband Plan (from $74.95/month), the Unlimited Broadband Plan (from $89.95/month), the 150GB Fibre Broadband Plan (from $69.95/month), the Unlimited Fibre Broadband Plan (from $84.95/month), and the Unlimited Gigantic Fibre Broadband Plan (from $99.95/month).
 
How to get the best price on a Slingshot broadband plan: 
  1. New Customers: Plans with Slingshot are cheapest when you bring your own modem, sign up for 24-months and bundle broadband with Slingshot’s power and mobile plans and also don’t plan to change providers for at least 6 months (therefore avoiding the early exit fee).
  2. Renewing: If you're happy with Slingshot and would like to continue, the best approach is to compare the pricing when your contract comes up for renewal. If Slingshot offers a better deal than the renew rate, contact their support team and ask for them to apply it to your account.

Our review: 
This guide details the five plans pros, and cons compare the plans side-by-side and outline those most suitable for Slingshot for broadband. We cover:

Slingshot 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 Slingshot, there is little difference between ADSL/VDSL and Fibre plans. 
  1. Installation cost: In most cases, you won’t have to pay any installation charge, that is, assuming your household already has a phone line and/or ADSL connection, and the fibre access point is within 200 meters from your house.
  2. Modem cost: All Slingshot plans include free modem rental ($14.95 postage fee applies). Moreover, if you choose an Ugly Modem during the sign-up process, Slingshot will donate $15 to help fund the Keep New Zealand Beautiful programme. You also have the option to bring your own modem, in which case you will get $25 credit for your account.

Important: 
  • Non-standard installation fees may apply if your household requires a new ADSL, VDSL, or Fibre connection.

Slingshot Broadband Customer Service and Outage Support

  • Slingshot's Customer Support Hours are from Monday to Friday, 8 am - 10 pm, Saturday, 8 am - 8 pm, Sundays and Holidays, 10 am - 5 pm via their free number (0800 89 2000). 

How fast is a Slingshot broadband connection?

The speed of your internet connection will be determined by the type of line available in your area. Depending on your location, Slingshot may have ADSL, VDSL, Standard Fibre or the FiberMax lines. Below is a reference of what to expect from each line: 
  • Slingshot’s ADSL Speed: Up to 10Mbps download speed / 1Mbps upload speed
  • Slingshot’s VDSL Speed: Up to 50Mbps download speed / 10Mbps upload speed
  • Slingshot’s Fibre Speed: Up to 100Mbps download speed / 20Mbps upload speed
  • Slingshot’s FibreMax Speed: Up to 900Mbps download speed / 450Mbps upload speed

Comparing Slingshot Plans - Standard Broadband vs Fibre Broadband Plans

Slingshot offers five fixed-line broadband plans, the 150GB Standard Broadband Plan, the Unlimited Standard Broadband Plan, the 150GB Fibre Broadband Plan, the Unlimited Fibre Broadband Plan, and the Unlimited Gigantic Fibre Broadband Plan. Also, during the signing up process, Slingshot offers you the option to choose power and mobile plans. We outline the offering of each, as well as the pros and cons.
 
Important: Unless stated otherwise, all prices are based on 6-month fixed-term naked broadband plans paid every month. 

Slingshot 150GB Standard Broadband Plan Review

Summary: Slingshot's 150GB Broadband plan offers reliable performance to small families and individuals that don't need unlimited bandwidth. 
  • Pricing: from $74.95/month – ADSL up to 10Mbps download speed / 1Mbps upload speed, VDSL up to 50Mbps download speed / 10Mbps upload speed
  • Data Cap: 150GB. Once you reach the data cap, a 5GB data block will be automatically added to your account ($5 cost). After that, you have the option to buy additional data blocks or let your connection speed slow down to dial-up speeds.
  • Add-ons: You can add Slingshot power or Mobile plans during the signup process.
  • Discount: When you bundle broadband with electricity, you will receive 10% off for both your broadband and power plan bill. Moreover, when you are a Slingshot Broadband customer, you get $5 off your mobile bill. You can also get a $25 joining credit when you bring your own modem.
  • Learn more: Visit Slingshot's website.
 
The Pros: 
  1. ADSL/VDSL broadband at a relatively low price.
  2. Once the data cap limit is reached, a 5GB data block will be automatically activated.
  3. Additional savings if you bundle broadband with Slingshot’s power and/or mobile plans.
  4. Good value in areas where fibre-based broadband connections are not available
  5. Average speed, good for basic online tasks
  6. Free modem rental (you only pay a $14.95 postage and handling fee).
  7. No installation fees
 
The Cons: 
  1. The 150GB data cap could be not enough for many users.
  2. No open term contract available; you will have to sign up for 6, 12, or 24 months.
  3. Limited plans are not eligible for the Samsung Galaxy Tab promotion.
  4. If you cancel the fixed-term contract before it ends, you will have to pay an early termination fee of up to $250. For more details, read Slingshot help

Slingshot Unlimited Standard Broadband Plan Review

Summary: The Unlimited Standard Broadband Plan is an excellent alternative for couples and families with low bandwidth consumption who want the benefits of an unlimited plan at a reasonable price. 
  • Pricing: from $89.95 (if paid monthly), $41.40 (if paid fortnightly), $20.70 if (paid weekly) – ADSL up to 10Mbps download speed / 1Mbps upload speed, VDSL up to 50Mbps download speed / 10Mbps upload speed
  • Add-ons: You can add Slingshot power or Mobile plans during the signup process.
  • Discount: When you bundle broadband with electricity, you will receive 10% off for both your broadband and power plan bill. Moreover, when you are a Slingshot Broadband customer, you get $5 off your mobile bill. You can also get a $25 joining credit when you bring your own modem.  Additionally, for a limited time, you can get a Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0” when you get Unlimited Broadband for a 24-month term, or a Galaxy Tab A 10.1” when you bundle Unlimited Broadband with power. Certain terms and conditions apply; for more information, read Slingshot Samsung Galaxy help. 
 
The Pros: 
  1. ADSL/VDSL reliability at an affordable price.
  2. Unlimited data transfer, no data caps
  3. Additional savings if you bundle broadband with Slingshot’s power and/or mobile plans.
  4. You can get either a Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0” or 10.1” model depending on the plan you choose during the signing up process.
  5. Good value in areas where fibre-based broadband connections are not available
  6. Average speed, good for basic online tasks
  7. Free modem rental (you only pay a $14.95 postage and handling fee).
  8. No installation fees
 
The Cons: 
  1. To get the free Samsung Galaxy Tab, you have to sign up for a 24-month term.
  2. To enjoy the lowest price, you have to choose the ‘Pay Weekly’ option.
  3. The price/value ratio of this plan is somewhat poor when compared to any fibre plan.
  4. No open term contract available; you will have to sign up for 6, 12, or 24 months.
  5. If you cancel the fixed-term contract before it ends, you will have to pay an early termination fee of up to $600. For more details, read Slingshot help and the Samsung Galaxy promotion page.

Slingshot 150GB Fibre Broadband Plan Review

Summary: Slingshot's 150GB Fibre Broadband Plan offers all the bells and whistles of fibre at a low price point, making it a good choice for families with moderate bandwidth needs. 
  • Pricing: $69.95/month – Standard Fibre up to 100Mbps download speed / 20Mbps upload speed
  • Data Cap: 150GB. Once you reach the data cap, a 5GB data block will be automatically added to your account ($5 cost). After that, you have the option to buy additional data blocks or let your connection speed slow down to dial-up speeds.
  • Add-ons: You can add Slingshot power or Mobile plans during the signup process.
  • Discount: When you bundle broadband with electricity, you will receive 10% off for both your broadband and power plan bill. Moreover, when you are a Slingshot Broadband customer, you get $5 off your mobile bill. You can also get a $25 joining credit when you bring your own modem. 
 
The Pros: 
  1. Speedy fibre connection at a low price point.
  2. Once the data cap limit is reached, a 5GB data block will be automatically activated.
  3. Additional savings if you bundle broadband with Slingshot’s power and/or mobile plans.
  4. Good value for a limited fibre connection.
  5. Fast speeds but limited data transfer, good for moderate online tasks
  6. Free modem rental (you only pay a $14.95 postage and handling fee).
  7. No installation fees
 
The Cons: 
  1. 150GB data transfer limit is quite low for a fibre connection.
  2. Same as with Standard Broadband, this plan is not eligible for the Samsung Galaxy Tab promotion.
  3. No open term contract available; you will have to sign up for 6, 12, or 24 months.
  4. If you cancel the fixed-term contract before it ends, you will have to pay an early termination fee of up to $250. For more details, read Slingshot help.

Slingshot Unlimited Fibre Broadband Plan Review

Summary: This plan is ideal for large families, content creators, developers, and professionals working from home looking for a fast fibre plan offering an excellent price-value ratio. 
  • Pricing: from $84.95 (if paid monthly), $39.10 (if paid fortnightly), $19.55 if (paid weekly) – Standard Fibre up to 100Mbps download speed / 20Mbps upload speed
  • Add-ons: You can add Slingshot power or Mobile plans during the signup process.
  • Discount: When you bundle broadband with electricity, you will receive 10% off for both your broadband and power plan bill. Moreover, when you are a Slingshot Broadband customer, you get $5 off your mobile bill. You can also get a $25 joining credit when you bring your own modem.  Additionally, for a limited time, you can get a Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0” when you get Unlimited Broadband for a 24-month term, or a Galaxy Tab A 10.1” when you bundle Unlimited Broadband with power. Certain terms and conditions apply; for more information, read Slingshot Samsung Galaxy help.
  • Learn more: Visit Slingshot's website.
 
The Pros: 
  1. Fast and reliable fibre connection at an excellent price.
  2. No data caps to worry about.
  3. Additional savings if you bundle broadband with Slingshot’s power and/or mobile plans.
  4. You can get either a Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0” or 10.1” model depending on the plan you choose during the signing up process.
  5. The best price-value ratio among Slingshot broadband plans.
  6. Fast speed, good for moderate to intensive online tasks
  7. Free modem rental (you only pay a $14.95 postage and handling fee).
  8. No installation fees
 
The Cons: 
  1. To get the free Samsung Galaxy Tab, you have to sign up for a 24-month term.
  2. To enjoy the lowest price, you have to choose the ‘Pay Weekly’ option.
  3. No open term contract available; you will have to sign up for 6, 12, or 24 months.
  4. If you cancel the fixed-term contract before it ends, you will have to pay an early termination fee of up to $600. For more details, read Slingshot help and the Samsung Galaxy promotion page.

Slingshot Unlimited Gigantic Fibre Broadband Plan Review

Summary: The Unlimited Gigantic plan is an excellent option for large families and professionals working from home looking for ultra-high speeds with no data caps. This plan is ideal for use cases consuming huge amounts of bandwidth like gaming, video streaming, and more. 
 
  • Pricing: from $99.95 (if paid monthly), $46.00 (if paid fortnightly), $23.00 if (paid weekly) – FibreMax up to 900Mbps download speed / 450Mbps upload speed
  • Add-ons: You can add Slingshot power or Mobile plans during the signup process.
  • Discount: When you bundle broadband with electricity, you will receive 10% off for both your broadband and power plan bill. Moreover, when you are a Slingshot Broadband customer, you get $5 off your mobile bill. You can also get a $25 joining credit when you bring your own modem.  Additionally, for a limited time, you can get a Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0” when you get Unlimited Broadband for a 24-month term, or a Galaxy Tab A 10.1” when you bundle Unlimited Broadband with power. Certain terms and conditions apply; for more information, read Slingshot Samsung Galaxy help.
  • Learn more: Visit Slingshot's website.
 
The Pros: 
  1. FibreMax bandwidth and speed at a reasonable price.
  2. No data caps, unlimited data transfer!
  3. Additional savings if you bundle broadband with Slingshot’s power and/or mobile plans.
  4. You can get either a Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0” or 10.1” model depending on the plan you choose during the signing up process.
  5. Excellent value for professionals and large families in need of ultra-fast broadband.
  6. Amazing speed, excellent for intensive online tasks
  7. Free modem rental (you only pay a $14.95 postage and handling fee).
  8. No installation fees
 
The Cons: 
  1. To get the free Samsung Galaxy Tab, you have to sign up for a 24-month term.
  2. To enjoy the lowest price, you have to choose the ‘Pay Weekly’ option.
  3. The price/value ratio of this plan is not as good as the Standard Fibre plan.
  4. No open term contract available; you will have to sign up for 6, 12, or 24 months.
  5. If you cancel the fixed-term contract before it ends, you will have to pay an early termination fee of up to $600. For more details, read Slingshot help and the Samsung Galaxy promotion page.

Which Slingshot Broadband Plan is the Best?

Our view is that the Unlimited Fibre Broadband Plan is ideal for those seeking the best value. However, for large families and professionals with huge bandwidth usage, the Unlimited Gigantic Broadband Plan is an excellent alternative.

Choosing the Right Slingshot Plan - Standard Broadband vs Fibre Broadband Plans

Slingshot's plans are geared toward the typical New Zealand family looking for reliable broadband service at a reasonable price. The possibility of combining broadband with the other services offered by Slingshot (electricity and mobile) and obtaining a discount on each of them is undoubtedly an advantage over other providers. In this sense, choosing the best Slingshot broadband plan has a lot to do with your home or work bandwidth requirement and the type of service available in your area.
 
1. Connection Speed: In general terms:
  • Slingshot’s Standard Broadband Plans These plans are not intended for households using bandwidth-intensive applications such as 4k video streaming or gaming. Depending on the type of service available in your area (ADSL or VDSL), you can expect up to 50/10 Mbps speeds, which is adequate for families with moderate broadband needs. This is especially true in the 150GB plan, which is, in our opinion, a rather limiting plan.
  • Slingshot’s Fibre Broadband Plans both, the 150GB and the Unlimited Fibre Broadband plans, offer speeds up to 100/20 Mbps which is more than enough to satisfy the most demanding kiwi household. However, in our opinion, the 150GB plan is very limiting, considering that it will not allow you to enjoy multiple Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Disney+ screens at once without exceeding the monthly data allowance.
  • Slingshot’s Unlimited Gigantic Broadband Plan is a step up over Standard Fibre Broadband and is currently the fastest broadband plan offered by Slingshot. From a speed/bandwidth perspective, this is hands down the best choice since it allows you to stream multiple 4k screens and other bandwidth-intensive applications simultaneously.
 
2. Flexibility:
  • One of Slingshot broadband’s biggest disadvantages is that it does not offer open term plans, so you will have to sign up for 6, 12, or 24-month fixed term.
  • Additionally, to be eligible for the incredible Samsung Galaxy Tab rewards, you will have to sign a 24-month contract.
  • However, if it is okay with you to bundle broadband with power and/or mobile, then you could save good money during those two years.
  • A positive aspect of the plans offered by Slingshot is the possibility to choose between weekly, fortnightly, and monthly payments, which provides additional savings.
 
3. Set-Up Charges:
  • Something that makes Slingshot stand out from the rest is its low setup fees. In most cases, the only thing you will have to pay is $14.95 for modem shipping costs. Moreover, if you bring your own modem, you can even get a $25 credit.

4. Monthly Costs:
  • Slingshot is one of the few broadband providers that offer the ability to choose how to make your payments. The way to get the lowest price is by making weekly payments in any of the Unlimited plans.
​
5. Additional perks:
  • One of the strengths of Slingshot is its additional perks. Right now, Slingshot is offering Samsung Galaxy Tab tablets for new broadband subscribers. While it is true that this promotion requires a 24-month contract, it cannot be denied that it can be very attractive to many users.

Slingshot Broadband Frequently Asked Questions

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

Is Slingshot available at my address?

There is a good chance that broadband service is available at your address as Slingshot is one of the top service providers in New Zealand. To verify what type of plans is available in your area, you just have to enter your address on the Slingshot page.

Does Slingshot offer a free modem?

Yes, Slingshot offers the option to rent a free Netcom NF18 modem with all its plans. Alternatively, you can bring your own modem (BYO) as far as it’s compatible with the service. To set up your own modem, you can follow the Modem Setup Guides in Slingshot’s help page.

Does Slingshot offer additional perks?

Yes, it does. If you choose a 24-month fixed term unlimited broadband contract, you can get a free Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.0”. Moreover, if you add power during the sign-up process, you can upgrade your reward to a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.” 

Does Slingshot offer an open term contract?

Yes, Bigpipe offers an open-term contract, but to access it you will have to pay several additional fees. Our view is that this may be impractical for most customers. 

Does Slingshot offer discounts for broadband plans?

Yes, Slingshot offers a 10% discount when you bundle broadband with electricity and $5 off of your mobile bill. 

Who owns Slingshot?

Slingshot broadband is a subsidiary of the Vocus Group, an Australian-based telecommunications company.

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

No, Slingshot does not offer home phone addons with its broadband plans.
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