How to Test & Fix Slow Internet: A Step-by-Step Guide for Kiwis

There’s nothing more frustrating than a movie buffering right at the climax or lagging during a crucial gaming session. In New Zealand, while we have world-class infrastructure, many households still struggle with inconsistent speeds.

Is it your WiFi, your router, or a problem with your provider? This guide will walk you through the diagnostic approach used by the pros to find and fix the root cause of slow internet. For more context on what you should be seeing, check out our guide on the average broadband speed in New Zealand.

Why is My Internet So Slow?

Slow internet usually boils down to three categories:

1. Your Local Network: Issues with your WiFi signal, old routers, or too many devices.

2. The Connection Type: Being on older technology like ADSL or VDSL instead of Fibre.

3. External Factors: Provider congestion or damage to the lines coming into your home.

The best way to fix it is through a process of elimination. By testing methodically, you can avoid unnecessary calls to tech support.

Step 1: Test Your Speed

Before you can fix the problem, you need to measure it.

Measure Your Connection Now

To get started, use our speed test tool.

📊 How to Interpret Your Results

• Download Speed: How fast data travels from the internet to you. For a standard Fibre household, 100Mbps is the sweet spot, while Hyperfibre users can see speeds up to 4000Mbps.

• Upload Speed: How fast you send data. Crucial for Zoom calls and uploading large files.

• Ping (Latency): Measured in milliseconds (ms). Anything under 20ms is great for gaming. High ping (over 100ms) causes "lag."

🔌 Wired vs. Wireless Testing

If your speed test looks slow over WiFi, plug a laptop directly into your router or ONT using an Ethernet cable. This is the "True Speed" test. If the speed is fast via cable but slow on WiFi, the problem is your house's wireless setup, not your internet provider.

Step 2: Identify the Problem

Once you have your numbers, ask these three questions:

📶 Is it the WiFi or the Connection?

Stand right next to your router and run a test. If it’s fast there but slow in the bedroom, you have a WiFi range issue.

📱 One Device or All Devices?

Check your phone, then check a laptop. If every device is slow, the issue is likely the network itself or the capacity of your current broadband plan.

🌙 Time of Day Patterns (The "Evening Squeeze")

In New Zealand, "peak hours" are typically between 6:30 PM and 11:00 PM. If your speeds tank only during these times, your internet provider might be experiencing congestion.

Common Causes & Fixes

🏠 WiFi Interference & Placement

WiFi signals struggle to pass through thick walls, mirrors, and appliances.

• The Fix: Place your router in a central, elevated position. Avoid hiding it in a cupboard or behind the TV.

🎮 Bandwidth Hogs & Too Many Devices

Every "Smart" device in your home, from lightbulbs to security cameras, nibbles away at your bandwidth.

• The Fix: Disconnect devices you aren't using. If you have a large family, consider upgrading to a Gigabit Fibre plan.

🔄 Background Downloads & Updates

Steam, PlayStation, and Windows Update often download massive files in the background without telling you.

• The Fix: Check the "Task Manager" on your PC to see if a hidden update is hogging 100% of your bandwidth.

🏗️ Outdated Technology

If you are still on an ADSL or VDSL connection, your speed is physically limited by the copper wires in your street. Upgrading to Fibre is the most effective way to permanently fix slow internet. For those in remote areas, rural broadband or Starlink are much faster modern alternatives.

Router Troubleshooting 101

⏲️ The Proper Restart (The 30-Second Rule)

Don't just flick the switch on and off.

1. Unplug the power cable from the back of the router and the Fibre ONT (the box on the wall).

2. Wait at least 30 seconds.

3. Plug the ONT in first, wait two minutes, then plug the router in.

⚙️ Firmware Updates

Log into your router's settings to check for firmware updates. Keeping your router software current prevents performance dips and improves security.

⚠️ When to Factory Reset

If your settings are a mess, find the tiny "Reset" hole on the back of the router. Use a paperclip to hold it for 10 seconds. Warning: This will revert your WiFi name and password to the factory defaults.

When to Contact Your Provider

If you have tested via Ethernet and performed a restart but speeds are still significantly below what you pay for, it’s time to call tech support.

📉 Speed Guarantee Thresholds

Check your plan's terms. Most top NZ providers have a "speed floor” - if you are consistently below this, they are required to investigate.

📞 What to Say to Tech Support

• "I have tested my speed using an Ethernet cable."

• "I have restarted both the ONT and the router."

• "The slow speeds are consistent across all my devices."

When to Switch Providers

Sometimes, the issue isn't your house, it's the service. If your current provider can't provide the speeds you need, it might be time to find the cheapest broadband deals or a more reliable unlimited plan.

🚀 Signs it’s Time for a Change

• You are still on copper but Fibre is available.

• You experience "throttling" or slowdowns every single evening.

• You aren't getting the customer service you deserve.

Ready to make the move? Follow our guide on how to switch internet providers.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Connection

Slow internet doesn't have to be your "new normal." By following these steps, from testing with an Ethernet cable to optimizing your router placement, you can resolve most common issues yourself.

However, if you have tried everything and your speeds still aren't hitting the mark, the bottleneck might simply be your current plan. New Zealand's broadband market is highly competitive, and better technology is likely available at your doorstep.

Don't settle for buffering. Use our Broadband Comparison Tool to compare broadband plans and find the best fit for your home today.

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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.