Fibre Broadband FAQs

What is fibre?

Fibre broadband transports large amounts of data via fibre optic cables at faster speeds than other types of broadband.

What can impact my fibre speeds?

Your upload and download speeds can be influenced by various factors: these include (but are not limited to) your modem, your internal home wiring, your smart devices and their Wi-Fi capabilities, overseas and New Zealand networks, and various environmental circumstances.

What if I already have fibre installed from another provider?

If you currently have fibre installed at your property with another service provider, you can join Amplio by signing up online. Fibre Broadband Plug & Play kits are available for addresses that have had a fibre connection installed in the past.

You’ll need to check the condition and location of your ONT (Optical Network Terminal) and ensure that it is undamaged and securely fixed.

Chorus has used three different ONT models throughout the fibre rollout. The models 100, 200, and 300 are all compatible with Plug & Play.

How do I get fibre?

You will need to check if fibre is available at your address by using our address checker. If it is, you can order your plan by signing up with us online. We will then transfer your fibre order to Chorus (the fibre infrastructure provider), who will contact you about your fibre installation.

You will have a scope appointment where a technician will plan your fibre installation with you.

After your scope appointment and once an agreement is signed, a technician will connect the fibre cable from the street to your property.

Once the outside work is complete, your internal installation will take place. Please note that fibre installation can take a few weeks or more. Timing may vary due to various circumstances.

What should I consider beforehand?

If you have a monitored alarm, either medical or security, that operates via your phone line, you will need to upgrade your alarm to a version that is compatible with fibre. It is important that you organise this with your alarm provider.

Will my fibre broadband work during a power outage?

No, fibre broadband and phone line services, including emergency services such as 111, will not work during a power outage.

We recommend keeping a fully charged mobile phone on hand at all times.

We also encourage the use of a UPS (uninterruptible power supply), which will keep both your broadband and landline services operating for a limited amount of time during a power outage.

How should I prepare for my scope appointment?

To prepare for your scope appointment, we suggest that you:

Read your Installation Agreement. You will be required to sign this at the end of your scope appointment. It is important that you understand the agreement as it explains what Chorus (the fibre infrastructure provider) expects from you and what you can expect from them.

If you are a tenant in a rental property, it is crucial that you gain landlord consent before your initial scope appointment.

Communicate with your alarm provider and ensure that your alarm, whether medical or security, is compatible with fibre.

Block out the appointment time and date in your schedule so that you can be home.

Respond to appointment confirmation calls or texts from your local technician.

What are the installation methods?

During your scope appointment a technician will discuss the best way to install fibre at your property. Every property is different, therefore not all connection options are available for everyone.

Aerial cable – If you already receive your broadband and phone line via an overhead connection, your future fibre cable can be installed using a similar method.

Cable fixed to a fence, driveway, or wall – This method is a good alternative if you do not want any trenching. Fibre cable is approximately 7mm in diameter. It is durable, lightweight, and ultraviolet stable. This type of installation can take place if there is a secure surface between the road and your property where the fibre cable can be fixed. Surfaces that are usually used include fences, driveways, and retaining walls.

Cable buried beneath gardens or grass – You may need to pay for this alternative if your current telecommunications services are above ground. A technician will dig a shallow trench in the grass or soil. Trenches can be constructed around foliage, paths, structures, or trees. The cable will be laid inside the trench, and Chorus will reinstate the area that has been disrupted.

Cable buried beneath a pavement or driveway – This method is used if there is concrete from the road to your home. Installers may either cut through the top layer of concrete and lay the cables inside or drill two temporary holes at either end of the concrete to pull through the fibre cable.

Cable run via a power pole – You will be notified if this method affects your home. If your fibre installation requires running through a power pole, it may take several weeks or months to gain permission from your local council or power company. Traffic management and possible power pole repairs may also be necessary. The local council or power company will need to carry out this work. Once it is complete, Chorus technicians can connect your fibre to the network.

A non-standard installation – A non-standard installation may require extra fibre cables, installing an ONT or modem in a location that is not easily accessible, or converting an overhead network connection to an underground cable. Such an installation will be necessary if there are structures or challenging terrain that technicians cannot work around, or if your house is located more than 200 metres from the fibre network access point.

If you choose to install your fibre modem in a location different from the ONT, extra wiring will be needed. Similarly, if you want your ONT in a location far from where the fibre cable enters the property, additional wiring will be required. Please note that the further the equipment is from the fibre point of entry, the weaker the connection may be.

If you want your fibre to be placed underground when you have an existing aerial line, please contact Amplio. Chorus will complete the work, but you will be responsible for covering all expenses. In some cases, a technician may indicate where a trench is required, and you can complete the work independently. During the completion of the underground work, your fibre order will be placed on hold. Once the work is complete, a technician will return to finish your installation.