How do I compare broadband plans?

Compare the total cost over the contract, including setup or modem fees, the monthly price, and the value of any introductory discount. A cheap first few months can hide a higher ongoing price.

Should I switch broadband for a deal?

Work out the total over the contract, including any joining offer and the price after it ends. The calculator shows the real cost so a short discount does not mislead you.

What broadband costs are there?

A monthly fee, sometimes a setup or modem cost, and any installation. Introductory discounts reduce early months but the ongoing price is what matters most over time.

Broadband Cost Calculator

Switching or signing up for broadband in New Zealand often means comparing two plans side by side, and the one with the flashiest introductory offer is not always the cheapest once the whole contract is counted. This calculator works out the true total cost of two broadband plans over a set contract length, so you can see past a low monthly price or a short-term discount to what you will actually pay. You enter the contract length in months, then for each plan the monthly price, any setup or modem cost, and the total value of any introductory discount. It instantly returns which plan is cheaper over the contract, the full total cost for Plan A and Plan B, and the dollar saving between them, updating as you adjust any figure. It is useful when a provider is chasing your business with a joining bonus or discounted first few months, since a plan that looks dearer upfront because of a setup fee can still work out cheaper overall once a rival's short discount runs out. Remember to check what the monthly price reverts to once the contract or introductory period ends, since that ongoing rate matters more than any one-off saving. The results are an estimate based on the figures you enter, so use them as a guide alongside the actual terms of each provider's plan before you commit.

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Contract length (months)

Plan A

Monthly price

Setup or modem cost

Total introductory discount

Plan B

Monthly price

Setup or modem cost

Total introductory discount

cheaper plan over the contract

Plan A total$0

Plan B total$0

Saving$0

Total cost is the monthly price across the contract, plus any setup or modem cost, less any introductory discount. After the contract, the ongoing monthly price is what matters, so check what it reverts to. Estimate only.

How it works

For each plan the calculator multiplies the monthly price by the contract length, adds any setup or modem cost, and subtracts the total introductory discount. Comparing the two totals shows which is cheaper over the contract. A plan with a tempting discount or low monthly price can still cost more once setup fees and the full term are counted, which is exactly what this reveals.

Worked example

Plan A at $89 a month over 12 months with no setup or discount is $1,068. Plan B at $79 a month is $948, plus $100 setup, less $180 of discount, about $868. Plan B is cheaper over the year despite the setup fee, thanks to the discount and lower monthly price.

Related calculators

Phone Plan Comparison Calculator: compare mobile plans.
Power Plan Comparison Calculator: compare power plans.
Subscription Cost Calculator: recurring costs.
Budget Calculator: household budget.

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