Copper Network Shutdown: What You Need to Know
The way New Zealanders stay connected is changing. For over a century, the copper network has been the backbone of our phone and internet services. However, that era is coming to an end. As technology advances, Chorus is phasing out the old copper lines in favour of faster, more reliable alternatives like Fibre and Wireless.
If you are currently using an ADSL or VDSL connection, or if your landline plugs directly into a wall jack, this transition affects you. Here is everything you need to know about the timeline, your options, and how to find the best broadband plans in New Zealand to ensure you stay connected.
What is the Copper Network Shutdown?
The "Copper Network Shutdown" (officially known as the Chorus Copper Withdrawal) is a nationwide project to retire aging telecommunications infrastructure. Because copper is prone to faults, sensitive to weather, and unable to support the high speeds modern households require, it is being replaced by modern Fibre networks.
💡 Why is Chorus withdrawing copper services?
Simply put, copper has reached its "end of life." It is expensive to maintain and significantly less resilient than modern alternatives. During extreme weather events, copper connections are statistically eight times more likely to fail than fibre. By moving to a simplified, all-fibre and wireless infrastructure, New Zealand gains a more stable and sustainable network.
📅 The Timeline: When is it happening?
The shutdown is not happening all at once. It is a phased rollout:
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Urban Areas (2021–2026): Chorus is currently withdrawing copper in "Fibre-ready" areas where UFB is already available. The goal is to have most urban copper retired by mid-2026.
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Rural Areas (2027–2030): For areas outside the current fibre footprint, withdrawal is expected to begin in phases from 2027, with a target for full retirement by 2030.
Are You Affected? How to Check Your Connection
If you aren’t sure what type of internet you have, look at your monthly bill or your hardware.
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ADSL/VDSL: If your plan is called "Basic," "ADSL," or "VDSL," you are on the copper network.
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Standard Landline: If your home phone works even when the power is out (and doesn't plug into a modem), it is likely a copper-based landline line.
📍 Using the Address Checker
The easiest way to confirm your status is to use the Broadband.co.nz Address Checker. By entering your address, you can see exactly which technologies are available at your house and whether your area is currently part of a withdrawal phase.
✉️ The Notification Process
You won't be cut off without warning. Under the Copper Withdrawal Code, Chorus must follow a strict notification timeline:
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6-Month Notice: An initial letter informing you that copper will be withdrawn.
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3-Month Reminder: A follow-up to ensure you have started looking at alternatives.
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20-Day Final Notice: A final warning before the service is decommissioned.
Your Upgrade Options: Life After Copper
The good news is that the alternatives are almost always faster and often more cost-effective.
🚀 Fibre (UFB): The Gold Standard
If Fibre is available at your address, it is the recommended choice. It offers the fastest speeds and the highest reliability for streaming, gaming, and working from home. For power users, Gigabit Fibre provides the ultimate performance.
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Pros: Future-proof, extremely fast, stable.
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Best For: Most households and businesses.
📶 Wireless Broadband: A Great Alternative
Wireless broadband uses the 4G or 5G mobile networks to provide home internet. It’s a "plug-and-play" solution that doesn't require a technician to visit your home.
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Pros: Instant setup, no wires required.
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Best For: Smaller households or those who want a simple setup.
🚜 Rural Solutions: Satellite & RBI
For remote Kiwis where Fibre isn't an option, Rural Broadband initiatives or Satellite services like Starlink provide high-speed connectivity that far exceeds old copper speeds. You can compare rural plans here to see what fits your location.
Making the Switch: A Step-by-Step Guide
Transitioning away from copper is the perfect time to review your broadband providers and see if you can get a better deal.
📞 Keeping Your Current Phone Number
If you have a landline number you've used for years, you can "port" it to your new digital service. Tell your new provider you want to keep your number before you cancel your old plan.
☎️ What Happens to My Landline?
Modern digital phone services mean your phone will now plug into the back of your internet modem rather than the wall jack. The service feels the same, but the technology behind it is much more robust. If you don't need a home phone at all, you can opt for a "naked" broadband plan to save money.
🚨 Handling Special Services (Alarms & Medialerts)
Traditional copper lines powered devices like medical alarms, fax machines, and security systems. Contact your alarm provider to see if your hardware needs a digital upgrade or a battery backup system.
Costs, Support, and Consumer Protections
🆓 Is installation free?
In most cases, if you are moving from copper to fibre in an area where Chorus is withdrawing services, the standard installation is free. Some providers may even offer a free modem when you sign up.
🛡️ The 111 Contact Code & Vulnerable Customers
Because Fibre and Wireless require electricity to work, they won't function during a power outage. To protect Kiwis, the Commerce Commission created the 111 Contact Code.
If you or someone in your house is at high risk for health, safety, or disability reasons, your provider must provide you with an alternative way to contact 111 at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I choose to stay on copper?
A: No. Once Chorus meets the legal requirements for withdrawal in a Fibre-available area, the copper network will be turned off. You must switch to an alternative technology like Fibre or Wireless to stay connected. Check out our simple guide on how to switch providers to get started.
Q: Will my internet get more expensive?
A: Not necessarily. Many modern plans are priced similarly to or even cheaper than old ADSL/VDSL plans. When you consider the average broadband speed in New Zealand has increased significantly, the value for money is much higher on modern networks.
Q: What happens to my phone in a power cut?
A: Unlike the old copper lines, modern modems need electricity to function. We recommend keeping a charged mobile phone as a backup. If you have a medical condition and no other way to contact emergency services, you may be eligible for extra support under the 111 Contact Code.
Q: What happens if I do nothing?
A: If you do not switch to a new technology by the end of your notice period, your phone and internet services will be disconnected entirely. To avoid downtime, we recommend starting the switching process at least two months before your final deadline.
Conclusion: Don't Wait for the Disconnection Notice
The copper network shutdown is a significant milestone in New Zealand's digital history. While it marks the end of an era, it also opens the door to much faster and more reliable internet for every household. Moving away from aging copper lines isn't just about following a mandate—it’s about upgrading your home to handle the demands of 4K streaming, remote work, and modern gaming.
Staying connected is easier than you think. By acting early, you can avoid the rush, ensure your medical or security alarms are correctly transitioned, and potentially save money on a newer, faster plan.
Upgrade Your Connection Today
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