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MyRepublic Broadband Plans Review
In an increasingly crowded segment, broadband providers have had to outdo each other to catch the customers’ eyes. This is good news for Kiwis, who are afforded unprecedented choice, and are no longer stuck with just two or three providers. There are about ten or so ‘mainstream’ providers out there all jostling for your money, and each one has something different to offer. From free PlayStations to TVs to Netflix subscriptions, NZ providers are forever throwing in more stuff. However, relatively new provider largely does away with this, instead just offering solid prices on a lot of its plans.
Originally from Singapore, MyRepublic is an upstart provider now servicing both New Zealand and Australia, and has shaken up the traditional providers in the broadband landscape. What’s all the fuss about? Let’s find out.
MyRepublic Internet Plans NZ
| Connection | What’s Included | Price From Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| VDSL | Unlimited data | $74.99 |
| Fibre | Unlimited data, 100Mbps downloads | $74.99 |
| Unlimited data, 950Mbps downloads | $109.99 | |
| VDSL & Fibre 100 Gamer | $84.99 | |
| Ultra-Fast Fibre Gamer | $119.99 | |
| “Gig City” unlimited data | $74.99 | |
| “Gig City Gamer” | $84.99 |
Source: MyRepublic website
As you can see, MyRepublic immediately stands out for offering unlimited data on a few of its plans for less than $80 a month. Customers in compatible areas also get access to gigabit internet speeds for about $15 extra per month, while those in ‘Gig City’ – Dunedin – get access to gigabit speeds at no extra cost. Other deals you can expect with MyRepublic are:
- ‘Gamer’ plans: Prioritised traffic for better ping scores, which can result in less lag and a better gaming experience. Gigabit speeds.
- Included installation and a ‘Hub+’ router on many plans
- Included $200 ‘Swiftpoint Z’ promo code on gamer plans
For renters and students there are also plans to be had from about $80 a month, with the set-up fee waived, with included installation and moves at no extra cost on a no-contract basis. You also get a free loan router.
Beyond these plans, customers can also add on a homeline plan from $10 a month, which includes:
- Unlimited local calls
- 500 free minutes to national landlines per month, 10c/minute thereafter
- NZ Mobiles 10c/minute
- International rates from 2c/minute
You also get free number porting, along with voicemail and caller ID among other nifty features.
If you’re a gamer, a renter or just someone who wants straightforward broadband with cheap home phone calls then MyRepublic represents a solid alternative to the big guys.
How does MyRepublic internet compare to the competition?
| Provider
(Naked Internet or Homeline) |
Price Per Month From
(Unlimited data) |
| MyRepublic | $74.99 |
| Vodafone | $79.99 |
| Skinny | $73 |
| 2 Degrees | $85 |
| TrustPower | $89 |
| Flip | $69 |
| Slingshot | $84.95 |
| Orcon | $90 |
| Spark | $94.99 |
As you can see, MyRepublic is at face-value is one of the cheaper provider among the main competition. Unlimited data for under $80?! Chalk that up as a win. However, keep in mind that prices can quickly surpass $100 a month the more stuff you add on – be it a gamer plan, call packs and so on.
- Other cheap providers such as Skinny and Flip also basic plans to start off with, while the other providers tend to include more ‘stuff’ despite the extra
Beyond that, it’s evident that MyRepublic also dabbles in ‘free’ stuff with included vouchers in some of its ‘gamer’ plans; however you should keep in mind that these plans can be over $100 a month. Other bonuses from providers include:
- Slingshot tends to include Google Chromecast with many plans
- Spark offers included Lightbox and Netflix subscriptions with many of its plans
- Orcon offers similarly-priced plans as MyRepublic. It also offers free Apple TV on many plans.
- Vodafone offers free NEON video-on-demand for a year
- TrustPower sometimes includes a free Samsung fridge, washing machine or TV if you purchase at the right time.
Prices per month are very similar among providers across the board. Where they all differ is what extras they chuck in on top of the broadband plan that might entice you to choose one provider over another.
Is MyRepublic broadband good value?
This depends. MyRepublic offers a great array of plans that can prioritise traffic and lower ping rates, and for renters come with no contract and easy portability. Beyond that, MyRepublic stands out for its cheap introductory offers sub-$80 a month. For people who want no-bull broadband, MyRepublic largely does the job, but keep in mind you likely pay more than the big providers on some of its plans if you wish to bundle in a gamer plan or call packs. Thebase price is alluring, but you’ll have to take into account the overall cost of your plan over one or two years.
