Independent tests show NZ’s broadband performed well during COVID-19 lockdown

The Commerce Commission’s latest Measuring Broadband New Zealand report shows that on average, copper and fibre broadband connections experienced no significant decrease in download speeds during lockdown, despite unprecedented demand on broadband networks.

The average download speed of Fibre Max plans has increased by around 50 megabytes per second (Mbps) since the last report. 

The Commerce Commission said the 8% jump is largely due to an increase in the average measured speed for one provider. 

At time of publishing, The Central App recorded internet speeds of 40.09 mbps download, and 10.01 mbps upload using speedtest.net.

The Central App recorded much lower average internet download speeds than the overall New Zealand average.

According to Speedtest.net, which monitors the global internet speeds, New Zealand ranked at number 23 in the world for download speed for the month of April, with an average of 107.52 mbps.

“A huge increase in the number of New Zealanders staying connected, working and learning from home caused heavy demand on broadband networks during the lockdown period,” Telecommunications Commissioner, Dr Stephen Gale said.

“Chorus and other providers reported record levels of online activity. 

“But despite that increase, the latest report from our independent testing partner, SamKnows, shows that copper and Fibre 100 plans continued to perform well, with average download speeds unaffected.

“Average download speeds for Fixed Wireless decreased by around 25%. Average download speeds for the fastest plan that we test, Fibre Max, decreased by about 4%, which most consumers would not notice given the high speeds on these plans.” 

New Zealand experienced much greater broadband usage due to increased demand during the COVID-19 lockdown, but studies show the nation's infrastructure performed well.

The Measuring Broadband New Zealand programme is delivered by independent testing partner SamKnows.

It is designed to provide consumers with independent information on broadband performance across different providers, plans, and technologies, to help them choose the best broadband for their homes. 

Shining a light on actual broadband performance also encourages providers to compete on performance and not just price. 

The report also includes tests of popular social media and gaming services for the first time, to gain insight to their performance. 

The results show that pictures on Facebook and Instagram would likely load much faster than on Snapchat, due to the lower latency to Facebook and Instagram, and gamers can expect the best Fortnite experience on Fibre plans. 

“We’re pleased to see that Fibre Max speeds have again increased, but there is still a significant variation of results on these plans. 

“We are working with the industry to understand the causes of this, which involves looking at hardware and the performance of individual networks,” Stephen said. 

“We’re still on the lookout for volunteers on Orcon, Slingshot and Trustpower plans. We also need more volunteers on Vodafone’s Cable and Fixed Wireless plans.

“The more volunteers using different broadband services that sign up to the programme, the more detailed we can make the reports.”

Find out more about Measuring Broadband New Zealand, including registering to become a volunteer, at: www.measuringbroadbandnewzealand.com. 

The latest Measuring Broadband New Zealand Autumn 2020 report is now on the Commerce Commission’s website.