Broadband join FAQs

If you're not currently with Electric Kiwi, just hit join, enter a few details and we'll handle the rest. If you're already an Electric Kiwi customer for power, log into your online account to add broadband in minutes.

You'll need to provide us with a few basic details about your property and which plan you'd like to sign up for. It's quick, easy and your broadband will be changed over within a few days. Just make sure to check you're not locked into any contracts with your current provider.
Electric Kiwi Broadband is available throughout New Zealand. If your property has fibre installed, there is a pretty good chance we can supply you. Check in with the team on live chat and they’ll be able to let you know for sure.
At this stage we can only supply properties that have fibre already installed. Broadband Map is a great way to find out if fibre is available where you are and kick off the installation process.

We offer a “naked” broadband service without a landline included.
It shouldn't do, but it always pays to make sure. Once you've signed up, drop your alarm provider a line. They will be able to get it all sorted
Nope! We already offer the best rates we can up front.
We try to keep everything as straightforward as possible with two simple plans for broadband, both with an easy-to-understand daily charge. For more info you can check our full T's and C's.
Your broadband bill, along with any other services you have with us will be sent by email. Electric Kiwi Broadband gives you the flexibility to choose when the money leaves your account in the app. Payments can be made weekly, fortnightly or on a monthly basis.
Sweet Fibre is perfect for smaller households, or if you just casually use your internet for browsing, checking emails and the odd show on Netflix. If you're a heavy user or live in a house full of movie buffs or people who download a lot, Sweet As Fibre is your best bet.
For more details on each plan including the most up to date average peak time speeds, see our broadband page.
All new Electric Kiwi Broadband customers who require a modem will currently be sent a Netgear Orbi RBR350 which uses WiFi 6 technology. If you'd like to bring your own modem, see our BYOD page for more details
We only supply properties with fibre already installed, so can't help with the installation side of things. This may change in future though, so keep your eyes peeled!
No, you can have just one of our services or any other combination. It's up to you!

You can. It should be super easy if your modem is eligible and will usually connect automatically. We'd recommend confirming that the modem you want to use is compatible before getting started. If it is, you should be up and running within a few minutes.

You'll want to make sure it supports DHCP authentication and VLAN tagging (this info will be available in the modem documentation or via the manufacturer if you're not sure).

Keep in mind we may not be able to help with any issues if you use your own modem - there are too many out there to support all of them! Try getting in touch with the manufacturer if you need a hand with your specific modem.

4G wireless modems from Skinny, Spark or Vodafone unfortunately won't work with Electric Kiwi broadband.

Any fibre modem from BigPipe, Skinny, ZeroNet, My Republic, or a Fritzbox from 2Degrees will need to be manually configured.

If your modem is compatible and isn't connecting automatically, you'll need to update the configuration of your modem with the settings below.

For a manual set up, make sure the modem is configured with these settings:
  • WAN Connection Type: DHCP (Automatic IP/Dynamic IP/IP over Ethernet)
  • 802.1Q: Enabled
  • VLAN ID (802.1Q): 10
  • 802.1P (Priority): 0
  • IP Version: IPv4 or IPv6
  • MTU Size: 1492 or 1500
  • NAT: Enabled

There's a bit more in the way of info on our BYOD page.
The complimentary modem we send out has pretty good coverage, but if you think you'll need an extender to boost your signal, let the team on chat know. Rather than an old fashioned extender, we'll provide you with a mesh Wi-Fi unit. Mesh Wi-Fi uses multiple nodes to create a single, seamless Wi-Fi network.

There is an extra charge of $150 for a mesh Wi-Fi unit, and it will be sent to you by courier ASAP. The charge will appear on your Electric Kiwi bill. Depending on which modem you currently have, take a look at our dedicated mesh unit set up guide for either Netcomm or Orbi for more details.
This isn't something we offer, so make sure you're not locked into a contract before signing up with us for fibre (or power/mobile for that matter)!
We partnered with 2Degrees to deliver our broadband services because they know the ropes and we think they're the best option. In fact we enjoyed working with them so much we leveraged their network for our mobile services too!
If you're on a DSL or a 4G Wireless connection and sign up with us for fibre - we'll organise getting the new connection set up. Keep in mind though, you'll need to speak with your current provider regarding cancellation of your DSL/4G service.
Electric Kiwi can provide you with a modem with the either purchase outright via your bill, or "rent to buy". If you choose the rental option, you will be charged 20 cents per day via your Electric Kiwi invoice. Once you have paid off the $150 cost of the modem (750 days, or 2 years 20 days at $0.20/day), it's yours to keep!

If you leave before then, you can choose to pay out the difference and keep your modem, or send it back to us at no extra cost. You will have 30 days to return the modem once we have provided you the courier bag before the outstanding balance is applied to your bill.
These are available for both our Sweet and Sweet As fibre plans via our legal section.
Buying or renting a modem from us:

The earliest connection date you can select is 5 days from today's date - this allows for shipping.

Bringing your own device:

You can often be connected as soon as within 1 business day. This is based on various factors, e.g. your local fibre company - so check in with the team to confirm.
If you can't see any emails from our team asking for further information/providing tracking details, reach out to the team on live chat.
Give us a buzz on live chat and we're more than happy to request this change from your local fibre company.
Your modem will be dispatched 5 business days before your connection date. Once the modem has been dispatched, we'll email you an NZ Post tracking link.

Broadband account FAQs

We've made it easy to get your connection set up. Just follow our handy step by step instructions.
There's no notice period to close your broadband account with us, but you're welcome to tell us in advance if you want to. Otherwise, just hit us up on live chat and we'll get it sorted that day.

If you are transferring the service to another provider, we recommend you confirm your new connection date with your new provider and then let us know so we can terminate your service with us on that date to ensure continuity of service.
At Electric Kiwi, we don't have data caps or throttle your fibre connection based on usage. There's some handy information on broadband speeds (and how to get the most out of your connection) on our broadband speeds page.
Check out our broadband speeds page for more information on what might be slowing down your connection. If you're still not having any luck, feel free to reach out to the team on live chat.
Sure can! As much as we'd love you to stay with us for all three, you can have any combination of broadband, mobile or power with us.
If your broadband account start date is before the day your electricity account begins, you may see the first few days of fibre charges showing as a separate charge. Don't worry though! This will only affect your first invoice, and you'll still only be charged for the days you use.
We generally no longer send our customers Netcomm modems, however if you've moved house and need information on how to set up your Netcomm (or just want some general info) check out our dedicated page. You'll be able to access the same page using the QR code on the box it came in.
Some retailers charge retroactively, so that might be your final bill. It's best to get in contact with them to make sure things are closed off at their end.
If you have a server in your home network, you can allow certain types of incoming traffic to reach the server. For example, you might want to make a local web server, FTP server, or game server visible and available to the Internet.

To do this, follow the below steps after manually logging into your Orbi router:

  1. Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Port Forwarding/Port Triggering.
  2. Leave the Port Forwarding radio button selected as the service type.
  3. In the Service Name menu, select the service name.
  4. For the ServerIP Address field, enter the IP address of the computer that will provide the service, then click the "add" button.
  5. Click the "add custom service" button. The Ports - Custom Services page will display.
  6. In the Protocol menu, select the protocol. If you are unsure, select TCP/UDP.
  7. In the External Port range field, enter the port numbers, and then the "add" button.
We highly recommended that you download the app if you can, as it's MUCH easier to set up this way (and easier for the team to help with any potential issues in future if you need it).

If needed though, you can complete the set up and change your password via your web browser.

The login details would be as follows:

Login = https://orbilogin.com (192.168.1.1)
Password = the password on the back of your modem
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