NOW Broadband is an independent NZ internet service provider offering fibre broadband at competitive mid-tier pricing. They’re a smaller player in the NZ broadband market but have built a loyal customer base through competitive pricing and reliable service. A solid alternative to the larger brands.
Type: Independent ISP
Fibre 500: ~$68–$72/month (no contract)
Support: Phone and online
Best for: Independent ISP shoppers looking for value with service
NOW Broadband Plans (2026)
| Plan | Speed | Monthly cost | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fibre 500 | 500 Mbps download | ~$68–$72/month | None |
| Fibre Max | ~1 Gbps download | ~$82–$88/month | None |
Plan names updated for the June 2025 fibre speed upgrade (Fibre 50 became Fibre 100 and Fibre 300 became Fibre 500; Fibre Max is about 1 Gbps). The prices here are estimates that haven’t been re-checked against the provider’s site since then. For comparison, the Commerce Commission found unlimited fibre plans averaged $68/month (Fibre 50, now Fibre 100), $92 (Fibre 300, now Fibre 500) and $107 (Fibre Max) in June 2025.
Unlimited data, month-to-month. Check now.co.nz for current pricing.
NOW’s Strengths
1. Competitive independent pricing NOW’s pricing is competitive at the mid-tier level — similar to Orcon and Voyager. As an independent, they have flexibility to offer good rates without being constrained by a parent telco’s pricing structure.
2. Phone support NOW offers phone-based customer service, unlike budget-only providers. Support quality is generally rated as responsive.
3. No-contract plans Month-to-month by default, with no lock-in.
4. Unlimited data All plans include unlimited data.
5. NZ-independent positioning NOW is not a subsidiary of one of the major telcos. For customers who prefer independent providers, NOW is an alternative to Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees subsidiaries.
NOW’s Weaknesses
1. Less brand recognition than competitors NOW is a smaller player — fewer deals and promotions than major brands, less brand presence.
2. Similar pricing to Voyager At similar price points to Voyager, which has a stronger customer satisfaction reputation, NOW needs to differentiate more clearly. Most customers comparing the two will lean toward Voyager’s proven service record.
3. Limited extras No mobile service, no power bundle, no unique features.
NOW vs Voyager
The two most comparable independent mid-tier ISPs:
| Feature | NOW | Voyager |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre 500 price | ~$68–$72/month | ~$70/month |
| Support | Phone + online | NZ phone + online |
| Customer satisfaction | Good | Excellent |
| Independence | Yes | Yes |
At similar pricing, Voyager’s stronger customer satisfaction ratings usually make it the preferred choice. NOW is a viable alternative — worth comparing if they have a promotional deal.
Verdict
NOW Broadband is a solid independent ISP with competitive pricing and phone support. It occupies the same space as Voyager and Orcon in the mid-tier market. For most households comparing this tier, Voyager’s service reputation gives it a slight edge — but NOW is a legitimate choice, particularly if they’re offering a promotional deal at sign-up.
Rating: 3.5/5 — Solid independent ISP; compare against Voyager for the same tier.