One NZ’s SuperWifi broadband deal promises wall-to-wall wi-fi coverage in your home, guaranteed, or you get a $100 credit. So what’s on offer?
Canstar explores One NZ’s SuperWifi broadband deal.
What is One NZ SuperWifi?
One NZ’s SuperWifi utilises mesh wi-fi technology. Mesh wi-fi uses multiple small units to spread wi-fi signals throughout a home, increasing the range of the base router.
While it’s a great option for people with large homes who want speedy wi-fi in every room, it isn’t something that’s exclusive to One NZ, as we explore below.
How do you sign up to One NZ SuperWifi?
SuperWifi is available to new and existing One NZ residential customers on any eligible Unlimited Fibre or Unlimited Wireless broadband plan on a 12-month fixed term.
Customers must have a One NZ Deco SmartWifi modem and download the Deco app to connect to Super Wifi.
Eligible plans:
- Fibre Starter: $65/m – 100/20Mbps
- Fibre Everyday: $96/m – 500/100Mbps
- Fibre Max: $111/m – 900/500Mbps
- 4G/5G Wireless: $65/m
Customers on these plans can purchase up to six TP-Link Deco X50 mesh devices, added to their account, for $5/m each. Note that substantial break fees can apply if you cancel/change your contract within the fixed 12-month period.
One NZ says that once connected, if a customer doesn’t experience wall-to-wall coverage, it will work with them for up to 30 days to ensure their coverage reaches every room. This assistance can include remote support or an in-home visit from a tech professional.
If a customer is still not happy, One NZ says that it will credit $100 to their broadband account.
SuperWifi tech features: Mesh wi-fi and wi-fi 6
The two headline technological features of One NZ’s SuperWifi offering are mesh wi-fi and wi-fi 6:
Mesh wi-fi
Mesh wi-fi systems comprise a router, and a number of additional access points (often referred to as nodes), which can be positioned around a household to boost wi-fi coverage. This helps to eliminate wi-fi dead zones that a router operating on its own might not be able to cover.
Essentially, mesh wi-fi systems broadcast a wi-fi signal from multiple points (each separate node). Unlike a wi-fi extender, which picks up a router’s wi-fi signal and then rebroadcasts it, mesh wi-fi creates a single network that blankets your whole home. This allows connecting devices to automatically switch between nodes, for a more seamless and stronger experience.
One NZ’s mesh devices work in conjunction with its Deco SmartWifi modem. Connecting the mesh devices is a simple process controlled via the Deco app.
Wi-fi 6
One NZ’s mesh devices use wi-fi 6 technology, which is the latest standard in wi-fi tech and delivers speeds fast enough for multiple home users on an ultra-fast fibre or wireless broadband connection.
What alternatives are there?
One NZ is not the only provider that offers mesh wi-fi with its plans:
Nova Energy
Nova Energy offers the use of two Nokia mesh wi-fi units on any of its three no-contract broadband plans. While there is no extra monthly charge for the use of the two units, a one-off $15 postage fee applies, and it’s your responsibility to return them to Nova if you cancel your broadband contract.
Now
Now offers its customers Deco mesh-system units from $120 each, available as a one-off payment, or split over 12- or 24-months.
Other options
You aren’t limited to broadband providers if you want the benefits of mesh wi-fi in your home. Most large electrical retail chains in NZ sell mesh wi-fi units.
Prices start around $100 for a single unit, or $140 for two. Setting them up is usually pretty straightforward, via apps and online tools.
Is One NZ SuperWifi a good deal?
Given the price of standalone mesh wi-fi units, One NZ’s rent-to-own deal of $60 spread over 12 months for each TP-Link Deco X50 mesh device is definitely a good deal.
However, you need to balance the cost of One NZ’s mesh units with the overall of cost of its broadband plans, and explore whether you could get a better deal by purchasing your own mesh units and opting for a lower-cost broadband plan from a different provider.
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About the editor of this page
Bruce Pitchers is Canstar NZ’s Content Manager. An experienced finance reporter, he has three decades’ experience as a journalist and has worked for major media companies in Australia, the UK and NZ, including ACP, Are Media, Bauer Media Group, Fairfax, Pacific Magazines, News Corp and TVNZ. As a freelancer, he has +worked for The Australian Financial Review, the NZ Financial Markets Authority and major banks and investment companies on both sides of the Tasman.
In his role at Canstar, he has been a regular commentator in the NZ media, including on the Driven, Stuff and One Roof websites, the NZ Herald, Radio NZ, and Newstalk ZB.
Away from Canstar, Bruce creates puzzles for magazines and newspapers, including Woman’s Day and New Idea. He is also the co-author of the murder-mystery book 5 Minute Murder.
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