Wireless Nation Broadband Review

We review Wireless Nation broadband's fifteen plans and outline each’s pros and cons, benefits, and how to get the best price.

Updated 7 April 2021
Summary: 
  • Wireless Nation in a Nutshell: Wireless Nation is a leading broadband provider in New Zealand that, aside from offering broadband and phone line services in urban areas, specializes in serving rural and hard-to-reach areas.
  • Coverage: Wireless Nation broadband services are not available in all areas. To find out what type of service is available in your area, visit their website.
  • Plans and Pricing: Wireless Nation offers a total of 15 plans, however for your convenience, we have grouped them into six plans, the Home Broadband Unlimited Data Plan (ADSL/VDSL/Fibre) (from $79/month), the Fibre Max Unlimited Data Plan (from $99/month), the Home Wireless Broadband Plans (from $59/month), the RBI Wireless Broadband Plans (from $89.90/month), the Chatham Islands Broadband Plans (from $99/month), and the Satellite Broadband Plan (from $249/month).
 
How to get the best price on a Wireless Nation broadband plan:
  1. New Customers: Plans with Wireless Nation are cheapest when you sign up for 12/24 months and don’t plan to change providers for at least 12/24 months (therefore avoiding the early exit fee).
  2. Renewing: If you're happy with Wireless Nation and would like to continue, the best approach is to compare the pricing when your contract comes up for renewal. If Wireless Nation offers a better deal than the renewal rate, contact their support team and ask for them to apply it to your account.
 
Our review:
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This guide details the three plans pros, and cons, compare the plans side-by-side and outline those most suitable for Wireless Nation for broadband. We cover:

Wireless Nation Broadband Set Up and Installation Charges

Know this first: When comparing broadband providers, setup charges are an essential part of the deal. In Wireless Nation’s case, set-up fees have a lot to do with the term and the type of connection involved.

  1. Fixed-term: for the most part, fixed-term contracts offer the best value regardless of the connection type.
    1. ADSL/VDSL/Fibre: free modem lease and free standard installation.
    2. Home Wireless (4G): no long-term contracts available for this type of connection.
    3. RBI Wireless: no setup fees and free modem lease ($14.95 shipping & handling fee applies). Also, free aerial antenna (if required).
    4. Chatham Islands: you will have to pay $289 standard installation plus mileage expenses. If you are outside of the coverage area, you may have to pay an additional setup cost ($800-$1,000). So, you could end up paying up to $1,289 plus technician travel expenses.
    5. Satellite Broadband: free lease on the necessary equipment. The total installation cost is $799 plus travel mileage.
  2. Open-term: Although Wireless Nation is more flexible with its open term contracts than other broadband providers, this option is still the most expensive.
    1. ADSL/VDSL/Fibre: you can purchase a modem from Wireless Nation ($169) or bring your own. Free standard installation.
    2. Home Wireless (4G): you will need to buy a 4G modem from Wireless Nation ($199 plus $14.95 shipping & handling fee).
    3. RBI Wireless: you will have to purchase the modem ($329 plus $14.95 shipping fee). Moreover, if there is no Plug & Play coverage in your area, you will need to pay for the installation ($249 plus mileage expenses) and an external antenna ($119). In short, you may end up paying up to $711.95 plus the technician’s travel expenses.
    4. Chatham Islands: no open-term contract available for this plan.
    5. Satellite Broadband: same installation cost of $799 plus travel mileage; however, you will also need to purchase the satellite equipment ($2,000). All in all, you can end up paying $2,799.
 
Important:
  • Non-standard installation fees may apply if your household requires a new ADSL, VDSL, or Fibre connection.
  • All fixed-term plans come with an early termination fee ranging from $199 to $983.25, depending on the plan.
  • Satellite plans do not include a Wi-Fi router ($249).

Wireless Nation Broadband Customer Service and Outage Support

  • Wireless Nation's NZ-based phone support is available from Monday to Friday, from 8 am - 8 pm, and weekends/holidays from 9 am to 5:30 pm via a free phone number (0 800 101 143). Additionally, you have the option to start a conversation with the customer service team via the Wireless Nation website or get in touch with the support team via their email: [email protected]

How fast is a Wireless Nation broadband connection?

The speed of your internet connection will be determined by the type of line available in your area. Depending on your location, Wireless Nation may have ADSL, VDSL, Standard Fibre, 4G Wireless, RBI, Satellite, or the FiberMax lines. Below is a reference of what to expect from each line: 
  • Wireless Nation’s ADSL Speed: Up to 10Mbps download speed / 1Mbps upload speed
  • Wireless Nation’s VDSL Speed: Up to 50Mbps download speed / 10Mbps upload speed
  • Wireless Nation’s Wireless (4G network) Speed: Up to 100Mbps download speed (speed may vary depending on signal strength).
  • Wireless Nation’s RBI Wireless Speed: Up to 36Mbps download speed / 10Mbps upload speed (speed may vary based on several factors).
  • Wireless Nation’s Satellite Speed: Up to 40Mbps download speed / 5Mbps upload speed.
  • Wireless Nation’s Fibre 100 Speed: Up to 100Mbps download speed / 20Mbps upload speed
  • Wireless Nation’s FibreMax Speed: Up to 950Mbps download speed / 450Mbps upload speed

Comparing Wireless Nation Plans - ADSL/VDSL/Fibre Broadband vs Wireless/RBI Broadband vs Satellite Broadband Plans

Wireless Nation offers two fixed-line broadband plans, the Home Broadband Unlimited Data ADSL/VDSL/Fibre Plan and the Fibre Max Unlimited Broadband Plan. Also, Wireless Nation offers several wireless plans, the Home Wireless Broadband Plans, the RBI Wireless Broadband Plans, the Chatham Islands Broadband Plans, and the Satellite Broadband Plan. Additionally, during the signing up process, you have the option to include a home line plan. We outline the offering of each, as well as the pros and cons.
 
Important: Unless stated otherwise, all prices are based on fixed-term naked broadband plans (with no home phone and no modem rental). 

​Wireless Nation Home Broadband Unlimited Data Plan Review

Summary: Wireless Nation Home Broadband Unlimited Data Plans with ADSL/VDSL speeds are a viable option for small families and individuals who only have basic needs. On the other hand, the fibre connection is a great alternative for large families and professionals whose work requires considerable bandwidth. 
  • Pricing: from $79/month – ADSL up to 10Mbps download speed / 1Mbps upload speed, VDSL up to 50Mbps download speed / 10Mbps upload speed, Fibre up to 100Mbps download speed / 20Mbps upload speed
  • Add-ons: You can add a home phone line with voicemail and unlimited NZ landline calls during the signup process from $23/month.
  • Discount: Free standard installation on all plans. Additionally, Wireless Nation offers free modem rental when subscribing to a 12-month fixed-term plan.
  • Learn more: Visit Wireless Nation's Home Broadband page.
 
The Pros: 
  1. If available in your area, fibre broadband offers good value for your money.
  2. Unlimited data, no caps.
  3. Open term contract available at no extra cost.
  4. Homeline option is available.
  5. Depending on the type of connection, the speed may be adequate for basic to intensive online tasks.
  6. Free standard installation. Also, free modem when signing up for a 12-month term.
 
The Cons: 
  1. ADSL, VDSL, and Fibre plans cost the same.
  2. Wireless Nation does not supply a modem for open term contracts.
  3. Poor price-value ratio when no fibre connection is available in your area.
  4. If you cancel the fixed-term contract, you will have to pay a termination fee of up to $199 plus the value of any promotion offered during signup. For more details, read Wireless Nation Terms and Conditions.

Wireless Nation Fibre Max Unlimited Broadband Plan Review

Summary: The Fibre Max Unlimited Broadband Plan is the fastest plan offered by Wireless Nation. As such, it is designed for demanding users who need maximum speed and bandwidth available. 
  • Pricing: from $99/month – FibreMax up to 900Mbps download speed / 450Mbps upload speed
  • Add-ons: You can add a home phone line with voicemail and unlimited NZ landline calls during the signup process from $23/month.
  • Discount: Free standard installation on all plans. Additionally, Wireless Nation offers free modem rental when subscribing to a 12-month fixed-term plan.
  • Learn more: Visit Wireless Nation's Home Broadband page.
 
The Pros: 
  1. Super fast and reliable connection.
  2. Unlimited data, no caps.
  3. Open term contract available at no extra cost.
  4. Homeline option is available.
  5. Excellent choice for large families and professionals working from home.
  6. Free standard installation, also free modem when signing up for a 12-month term.
 
The Cons: 
  1. Wireless Nation does not supply a modem for open term contracts.
  2. The standard fibre plan (when available) offers a better cost-benefit ratio.
  3. If you cancel the fixed-term contract, you will have to pay a termination fee of up to $199 plus the value of any promotion offered during signup. For more details, read Wireless Nation Terms and Conditions.

​Wireless Nation Home Wireless Broadband Plans Review

Summary: The Home Wireless Plan is an efficient and fast solution for families or individuals with moderate Internet usage looking for a hassle-free, no-installation Broadband service. 
  • Pricing: from $59/month (60GB data cap), from $69/month (120GB data cap), from $89/month (300GB data cap), from $99/month (600GB data cap) – Wireless (4G) up to 100Mbps download speed (actual values may vary depending on the signal strength in your area).
  • Add-ons: You can add a home phone line with voicemail and unlimited NZ landline calls during the signup process from $23/month.
  • Cap: 60GB, 120GB, 300GB, or 600GB (depending on the plan selected) - once your account reaches the data transfer limit will auto top up with a 10GB data pack up to 4 times. Each 10GB data pack is $20.
  • Discount: New customers enjoy the first month for free. Visit the Wireless Nation Promotions page for full terms & conditions.
  • Learn more: Visit Wireless Nation's Home Wireless Broadband page.
 
The Pros: 
  1. Plug and Play modem, no need for ADSL/VDSL/Fibre installation.
  2. Several plans to choose from.
  3. Open term contract, you can leave with a 30 days’ notice anytime.
  4. Homeline option is available.
  5. Excellent choice when no copper or fibre connection is available in your area.
  6. Offers enough bandwidth for basic to moderate applications.
  7. One month free.
 
The Cons: 
  1. You will have to buy a 4G modem from Wireless Nation ($199 value, plus $14.95 shipping and handling fee).
  2. The Plug and Play modem is not available everywhere.
  3. Poor price-value ratio when compared to standard fibre broadband.

Wireless Nation RBI Wireless Broadband Plans Review

Summary: Wireless Nation's RBI (Rural Broadband Initiative) plans provide New Zealand families who live far from major urban areas and don’t have access to copper or fibre connections a reliable broadband service that is suitable for basic tasks such as reading news, checking email, or surfing the web. 
  • Pricing (naked Broadband): from $89.90/month (65GB anytime cap, 50GB off-peak cap), from $99.90/month (120GB anytime cap, 50GB off-peak cap), from $109.90/month (120GB anytime cap, 150GB off-peak cap), from $129.90/month (120GB anytime cap, unlimited off-peak cap), from $184.90/month (200GB anytime cap, unlimited off-peak cap) – RBI Wireless (4G) up to 36Mbps download speed / 10Mbps upload speed (speed may vary based on several factors).
  • Pricing (Broadband/Phone bundles): from $99/month (100GB anytime cap, 50GB off-peak cap), from $175/month (200GB anytime cap, 100GB off-peak cap) – RBI Wireless (4G) up to 36Mbps download speed / 10Mbps upload speed plus RBI Voice (Landline).
  • Add-ons: You can add a home phone line with voicemail and unlimited NZ landline calls during the signup process to any naked plan from $23/month.
  • Cap: 115GB, 120GB, 150GB, 170GB, 200GB, 270GB, 300GB, or 600GB (depending on the plan selected) - once your account reaches the data transfer limit will auto top up with a 1GB data pack up to 4 times. Each 1GB data pack is $5/month. You can also change auto top-up data packs from your MyHub account. For more details regarding top-ups and Anytime/Off-Peak hours, visit the RBI Broadband page.
  • Discount: New customers opting for a 24-month contract will have 1 month at half price, free antenna ($119 value), free modem lease, and free setup, shipping and handling costs. Visit the Wireless Nation Promotions page for full terms & conditions.
  • Learn more: Visit Wireless Nation's RBI Wireless Broadband page.
 
The Pros: 
  1. A good alternative for rural areas where no copper or fibre is available.
  2. Free modem lease for fixed-term contracts.
  3. Free FuelCube (valued at $440) when you sign up for the Broadband/Phone bundle.
  4. A wide variety of plans to choose from.
  5. Open term contract available.
  6. Broadband/Homeline bundles are available.
  7. Adequate speed for basic to moderate internet usage.
  8. Plug and play (self install) kits available in certain areas.
  9. Many auto top-up data packs to pick, ranging from 1GB to 100GB.
  10. Free antenna, modem, and installation plus half-price during the first month with a 24-month contract.
 
The Cons: 
  1. If you opt for an open-term, you will have to buy the RBI modem (worth $329).
  2. If there is no Plug and Play coverage in your area, you will need to purchase an external antenna kit for $119. Moreover, you will also need to pay for the aerial antenna installation ($249 labour plus $1.15/Km for travel expenses to your location).
  3. If you cancel the 24-month contract, you will have to pay a termination fee of up to $458.85 plus the value of any promotion offered during signup. For more details, read Wireless Nation Terms and Conditions.
  4. Unlimited data transfer only available during off-peak hours (midnight to 5 pm).

Wireless Nation Chatham Islands Broadband Plans Review

Summary: Thanks to WoS (Wireless over Satellite) technology, this plan offers the Chatham Islands inhabitants the possibility to get a reliable internet connection to perform basic tasks such as reading emails or surfing the web. 
  • Pricing: from $99/month (20GB cap), from $119.90/month (50GB cap), from $159.90/month (100GB cap) – WoS (Wireless over Satellite) speed may vary depending on the distance between your household and Wireless Nation’s antennas located at Waitangi, Owenga, Kaingaroa, and Target Hill.
  • Add-ons: There are no phone line options for this plan.
  • Cap: 20GB, 50GB, or 100GB (depending on the plan selected) - once your account reaches the data transfer limit will auto top up with a 1GB data pack up to 4 times. Each 1GB data pack is $8/month. You can also change auto top-up data packs from your MyHub account. For more details regarding top-ups and Anytime/Off-Peak hours, visit the Chatham Islands Broadband page.
  • Discount: This plan has no discounts.
  • Learn more: Visit Wireless Nation's Chatham Islands Broadband page.
 
The Pros: 
  1. Cost-efficient alternative to satellite broadband.
  2. Adequate speed for basic online tasks.
  3. Three auto top-up data packs to choose from, ranging from 1GB, 5GB, and 10GB.
  4. 3 months carryover data and a free email account.
 
The Cons: 
  1. High setup costs, $289 standard installation plus mileage of $1.33 per km from the nearest installers base.
  2. In case your household requires a WoS Extend, you will have to pay an additional $800-$1000 worth of equipment.
  3. No open term. All plans are based on a 12-month contract.
  4. If you cancel the 12-month contract, you will have to pay a termination fee of up to $228.85 plus the value of any promotion offered during signup. For more details, read Wireless Nation Terms and Conditions.

Wireless Nation Satellite Broadband Plans Review

Summary: Wireless Nation's Satellite Broadband Plan provides reliable internet access regardless of the location, making it ideal for families or individuals living in remote areas of NZ. 
  • Pricing: $249/month (unlimited) – Satellite up to 40Mbps download / 5Mbps upload speeds. Notice that real-world speeds may vary between 200Kbps - 40Mbps depending on both weather conditions and data saturation.
  • Add-ons: There are no phone line options for this plan.
  • Discount: On a 24-month contract, Wireless Nation will provide the necessary equipment on a free lease.
  • Learn more: Visit Wireless Nation's Satellite Broadband page.
 
The Pros: 
  1. Internet access regardless of your household location.
  2. Adequate speed for basic online tasks.
  3. Open term option available.
  4. Free equipment on a 24-month contract.
 
The Cons: 
  1. High setup costs, $799 standard installation plus travel mileage of $1.15 per km to your location.
  2. If you opt for an open term, you will need to purchase the necessary equipment (mount, satellite dish, etc.) worth $2,000.
  3. The basic satellite package does not include the Wi-Fi router ($249).
  4. If you cancel the 24-month contract, you will have to pay a termination fee of up to $983.25 plus the value of any promotion offered during signup. For more details, read Wireless Nation Terms and Conditions.

Which Wireless Nation Broadband Plan is the Best?

In our opinion, the plan that provides the best value for money is Fibre Home Broadband. However, if you live in an urban area and are looking for a quick solution to cover basic needs, then the Wireless Home Broadband plan is a good alternative.

Choosing the Right Wireless Nation Plan - ADSL/VDSL/Fibre Broadband vs Wireless Broadband vs Satellite Broadband Plans

Wireless Nation offers a wide range of Broadband plans, each targeted at a particular group of users. In this regard, there are several factors to consider before choosing the best plan for your household.
 
1. Connection Speed: In general terms:
  • Wireless Nation’s ADSL/VDSL Broadband Plans Wireless Nation ADSL (10/1 Mbps), and VDSL (50/10 Mbps) plans offer reasonable speed and bandwidth for basic to moderate online tasks such as browsing the web, light video streaming, audio streaming, and video calls.
  • Wireless Nation’s Fibre Broadband Plans There is no doubt that the 100/20 Mbps speed provided by the fibre connection offers a remarkable improvement over traditional ADSL/VDSL connections. This translates into a superior experience when surfing the internet or enjoying online services such Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Disney+ at FHD quality. This type of plan could be ideal for professionals who work from home and need a reliable service with sufficient bandwidth.
  • Wireless Nation’s FibreMax Broadband Plan This is the fastest plan offered by Wireless Nation with speeds up to 950/450 Mbps. This level of speed coupled with its incredible bandwidth makes it the ideal plan for large families using 4K video streaming services, developers, gamers, professional traders, and other use cases that require high transfer speeds with extremely low latency.
  • Wireless Nation’s Home Wireless (4G) Broadband Plans The speed offered by 4G wireless plans makes them an attractive alternative to traditional ADSL/VDSL connections. Moreover, these plans offer the additional advantage that they do not require any installation, so you can start using the service almost immediately. However, please note that, unlike ADSL/VDSL plans, all Home Wireless plans are data capped, so they are not recommended for families or individuals with high bandwidth consumption.
  • Wireless Nation’s RBI / Chatham Islands Broadband Plans In terms of speed, 36/10 Mbps may not seem much. However, these plans provide a reliable service to many New Zealanders who do not have access to another type of connection. In this sense, both the RBI and Chatham Islands plans offer adequate bandwidth for basic to moderate tasks, such as checking emails, surfing the web, watching YouTube videos, and more.
  • Wireless Nation’s Satellite Broadband Plan With a speed of 40/5 Mbps, Wireless Nation's satellite plans can be considered suitable for simple to moderate tasks, similar to those described in the RBI plans. However, you should be aware that, unlike RBI plans, satellite plans are governed by a priority scale that determines the actual speed at which you can surf. So for the first 200GB consumed, you enjoy the full bandwidth available, but after that, the speed can drop drastically depending on the traffic on the network.
 
2. Flexibility:
  • With the notable exception of the Chatham Islands Broadband, all plans offer open-term contracts. Moreover, in some cases, such as the Home Broadband Unlimited Data plans, there are no additional charges for choosing an open term contract. In other cases, such as RBI plans, fixed-term contract plans do offer the benefit of free equipment rental. So it could be said that Wireless Nation outperforms its competitors in urban areas while offering similar conditions in rural areas.
  • In terms of data transfer limits, Wireless Nation is also ahead of the competition in plans that use a fixed-line (ADSL/VDSL/Fibre). However, its wireless plans offer data caps very similar to what you can get with any other broadband provider.
 
3. Set-Up Charges:
  • As mentioned in a previous section, installation charges are closely related to the type of Broadband technology used by the plan. Thus, ADSL, VDSL, or Fibre-based plans come with free standard installation and free modem rental (on 12-month plans).
  • Home Wireless plans, on the other hand, do not require installation but require you to purchase the 4G modem ($199 plus $14.95 handling fees).
  • In the case of RBI Wireless plans, both installation and modem are free on 24-month terms, but you will have to pay $329 for the modem if you opt for an open term contract. In both cases, depending on your location, you may have to incur additional charges such as a special antenna ($119) or extra installation charges ($249).
  • Chatham Islands plans do not have an open term option, but you will still have to pay the standard installation fee ($289) and, if needed, a WoS Extend ($800-$1000).
  • Satellite plans are generally the most expensive to set up. On the one hand, the standard installation costs $799 (plus travel expenses). On the other hand, if you opt for an open-term, you will have to buy all the necessary equipment ($2,000). In both cases, you will also need to purchase a Wi-Fi modem ($249).
 
4. Monthly Costs:
  • Of Wireless Nation’s plans, we believe that the Fibre Broadband ($79/month) is the most cost-effective. This is assuming you are willing to contract the service for 12 months.
  • In case you subscribe to a wireless plan with a data limit, you should consider the additional costs associated with such a plan. Each time you use up your allotted data limit, you will have to pay for a new data package.
 
5. Additional perks: as for additional perks, Wireless Nation currently does not offer any extra value, aside from the free set up fees (on some plans).

Wireless Nation Broadband Frequently Asked Questions

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

Is Wireless Nation available at my address?

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

Does Wireless Nation offer a free modem?

Yes, Wireless Nation does offer a free modem in all their fixed-line plans (ADSL/VDSL/Fibre). However, you can purchase one from Wireless Nation, or you can bring your own modem and set it up by following the "How to set up my BYO modem or router" guide.

Does Wireless Nation offer additional perks?

No, aside from the phone line service ($23/month on most plans), Wireless Nation does not offer additional perks.

Does Wireless Nation offer an open term contract?

Yes, Wireless Nation does offer an open-term contract on all its plans but the Chatham Islands plans.

Does Wireless Nation offer discounts for broadband plans?

Yes, it does. On Home Wireless plans, you get 1 month free, and on RBI plans, one month at half price on a 24-month term. 

Who owns Wireless Nation?

Wireless Nation is owned by its founder Tom Linn and his partner Bill Smale.

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

Yes, Wireless Nation does offer home phone lines with all its fixed-line broadband plans starting at $23/month.
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