Why you should choose fibre broadband
Choosing the right broadband can be a real headache managing all the technologies, deals and services from internet providers. As well as fibre, there’s other technologies around like cellular-based services sold as broadband (called fixed wireless) and some homes are still on old copper broadband (called ADSL and VDSL).The Commerce Commission publishes a quarterly broadband comparison report called “Measuring Broadband New Zealand” to help consumers make informed decisions.
The latest report highlights the differences in performance in average download speeds on different technologies. On a 100Mbps (megabits per second - speed) fibre plan, you get an average speed of 99Mbps – so what you would expect and pay for. On a top end fibre plan the average speed jumps to over 708Mbps. Other technologies are much slower – ADSL (9Mbps), fixed wireless (26Mbps) and VDSL (43Mbps).
Speed is the key to good broadband performance and the report highlights this. With fibre, you can successfully stream ultra-high definition video nearly all the time (99%). On VDSL this drops by about 10%, on fixed wireless this will only work two-thirds of the time and one tenth of the time on ADSL. Fixed wireless, ADSL and VDSL can also be prone to performance drops when lots of people are using their broadband service at the same time.Sometimes bad weather can be a factor for cellular-based services. Fibre does not suffer these issues.
Visit our website to find out if fibre is available at your place.
All the best, from your local Enable Fibre team.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64% Yes
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33.6% No
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2.4% Other - I'll share below
Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.