Fibre Installation: What to Expect
Switching to fibre is the best way to ensure your home or business stays connected with ultra-fast, reliable internet. However, if you have never had fibre installed before, the process might seem a little daunting.
In New Zealand, the journey to getting connected usually follows the "ABC" process: Agree, Build, and Connect. If you are currently with another provider, you may want to check our guide on how to switch internet providers in NZ to ensure a seamless transition during your installation.
Before Installation Day: The Preparation Phase
Getting fibre-ready starts long before a technician knocks on your door. Proper preparation can prevent delays and ensure a smooth setup.
🔍 Checking Fibre Availability & Choosing a Plan
Before anything else, use the Broadband Compare tool to confirm that fibre is available at your address. Different areas in New Zealand are serviced by different Local Fibre Companies (LFCs) like Chorus, Enable, Tuatahi, or Northpower.
Once you've confirmed availability, pick a plan that suits your usage. You can compare the best broadband plans in New Zealand to see if you need a standard 300/100 Mbps plan, a Gigabit Fibre connection, or even Hyperfibre for extreme speeds.
📅 The Booking Process
Once you place your order with a provider, your LFC will contact you to book your installation. Depending on your property type, this might involve one, two, or three separate visits. If you are moving house, it is best to start this process at least two weeks before your move-in date.
📝 Landlord & Neighbour Consents
If you live in a rental property, an apartment (MDU), or share a driveway with neighbours, consent is often required before work begins.
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Renters: You must get permission from your landlord.
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Shared Property: Your LFC will typically handle the notification process for neighbours, but it’s always a good idea to have a friendly chat with them beforehand.
✅ The Pre-Installation Checklist
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Access: Ensure the technician can access the outside of your house and the internal areas.
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Power: Identify where your nearest power outlets are located.
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Pets: Secure any pets in a safe area for the duration of the visit.
The Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The actual installation is split into three main phases. While some properties might have these combined into one day, others may require multiple visits.
🤝 Step 1: The ‘Scope’ Appointment (Agree)
A technician will meet you at your home to "scope" the work. Together, you will decide where the fibre will enter the house, where the External Termination Point (ETP) will be mounted outside, and where the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) will be placed inside.
🏗️ Step 2: The External Work (Build)
This is where the fibre is brought from the street to your house. You don't always need to be home for this part. The technician may use aerial lines, trenching, or surface mounting to bring the cable to your ETP.
🔌 Step 3: Bringing Fibre Inside (Connect)
This is the final step where the technician installs the internal wiring and the ONT box.
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Typical Time Required: 2 to 4 hours.
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Placement Tip: For the best signal, place the ONT in a central location. If you're worried about dead zones, check out our guide on how to improve your Wi-Fi.
Understanding Your ONT (The "Fibre Box")
The Optical Network Terminal (ONT) is the small box that turns light signals from the fibre optic cable into data.
💡 Decoding ONT Light Indicators
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Power: Should be solid green.
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PON: Should be solid green.
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LOS: If this is flashing red, there is a fault. Contact your provider immediately.
⚠️ Power Backup & Safety
Fibre requires electricity to work. In a power outage, your internet and any cordless phones will stop working. This is a significant change brought about by the NZ copper shutdown. If you rely on a medical alarm, ensure you have a cellular backup or a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply).
After the Technician Leaves: Getting Online
🌐 Setting Up Your Router
Plug your router into the ONT (usually Port 1) using an Ethernet cable. If you are looking for better hardware to handle high speeds, browse our recommendations for the best modems and routers in NZ.
🚀 Speed Verification
To make sure you’re getting what you paid for, run a speed test using a wired connection. You can compare your results against the average broadband speeds in New Zealand to see how your new connection stacks up.
Common Installation Scenarios in New Zealand
🏢 Apartments & Units (MDUs)
Installation in apartments may take longer because the LFC needs access to the building's main communications room.
🏠 New Builds
Most new NZ homes are "fibre-ready." Ensure your builder has installed the correct conduit to the internal hub.
🚜 Rural Properties
If you are outside the main UFB coverage areas, you might need a rural internet guide to explore options like Starlink NZ or Rural Wireless.
Fibre Installation FAQs
Q: Is fibre installation free in NZ?
A: Standard installations are generally free for most residential homes. Non-standard installs (e.g., very long driveways) may incur a cost.
Q: Do I need to be home for the whole process?
A: You must be present for the "Scope" and "Connect" appointments to provide access and sign off on the plan.
Q: Can I move the ONT box later?
A: The ONT is fixed. Moving it requires a technician and usually incurs a fee, so choose its location wisely during the scope visit!
Ready to find the best fibre deal for your home? Compare the latest plans and providers at Broadband.co.nz.
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Disclaimer: Pricing and offers subject to change. Always confirm current rates and terms with providers before signing up. Rankings based on publicly available data and may not reflect individual experiences.