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Check your broadband speed
Find why you're not getting the internet speeds you think you should be getting.
Check connection tool
Experiencing slow speeds? Try our Check Connection tool. This tool automatically checks your home network and broadband connection for problems. Learn how to use the Check Connection tool
We recommend trying the Check Connection tool as a first point of troubleshooting speed issues.
Test your speed
Measure the download and upload speeds of your internet by taking a speed test. For best results, we recommend the following:
1. Use the Speedtest app.
For the most accurate results, download the Speedtest app and use it to measure your speed.
You can also test your speed on the Speedtest website, but using a browser can reduce the speed shown when the connection goes above 100Mbps. Test your speed at speedtest.net
2. Choose your nearest Spark server.
Choose your nearest Spark server from the drop-down menu. There are three options: Spark New Zealand Auckland, Spark New Zealand Wellington and Spark New Zealand Christchurch.
3. Use a device connected via ethernet.
It's best to run your speed test on a computer or laptop connected to your modem by an ethernet cable that's Cat 5e or above. Ethernet cables that are Cat 5 or below limit the speed to 100Mbps, so the results you get may not be accurate.
An ethernet cable has an RJ45 plug on each end. One end goes into your device and the other into your modem. You'll find its category (for example, Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6 or Cat 6e) printed along the cable.
If you're running your speed test on a device connected via WiFi, the speed you get may be lower than you'd get over ethernet. Being further away from the modem can also reduce the speed you'll see in the test.
For more information about running tests via WiFi, see our understand WiFi speeds page. Understand WiFi speeds
4. Connect only one device.
We recommend only having one computer, tablet or mobile connected to the internet while you're running a speed test.
If you're using a computer connected via an ethernet cable, close all applications, browser windows and tabs. Then restart your browser to run the speed test. You can turn off your modem's WiFi to stop other devices connecting. Just remember to turn it back on again after the test.
If you're running a speed test on a device connected via WiFi, close all other apps on that device. We recommend disconnecting all the other devices you have connected to WiFi before running the test.
5. Repeat the test a couple of times to get an average speed.
Run speed tests at different times of the day. We recommend you run one of them during Measuring Broadband New Zealand's peak time, which is between 7pm and 11pm Monday to Friday.
Test results
Average speeds vary depending on the type of broadband connection you have. We measure broadband speed in megabits per second (Mbps). The following are typical for the different types of Spark broadband plans:
Broadband |
Average speeds* |
|---|---|
Fibre Max Used in our Max Fibre plan. |
901Mbps download 498Mbps upload To get the best possible performance from Fibre Max broadband, we recommend using a high-spec modem that's capable of supporting these speeds, such as the Spark Smart Modem series. |
Fibre 300 Used in our Essential Fibre plan. |
319Mbps download 108Mbps upload |
Fibre 50 Used in our Everyday Fibre plan. |
50Mbps download 10Mbps or 20Mbps upload Upload speeds depend on your local fibre company. Chorus and Unison areas will receive 10Mbps upload speed. Enable and Tuatahi First Fibre areas will receive 20Mbps upload speed. |
4G Wireless Broadband Used in our Portable Wireless, Rural Wireless, Basic Wireless, Lite Wireless and Everyday Wireless plans. |
33Mbps download 16Mbps upload |
VDSL Used in our VDSL Unlimited plan. |
36Mbps download 9Mbps upload |
ADSL Used in our ADSL Unlimited plan. |
9Mbps download 1Mbps upload |
* Speeds shown are national peak time average speeds based on the Commerce Commission’s Measuring Broadband New Zealand (MBNZ) Winter 2023 report. You may experience higher or lower speeds than these. Factors such as the performance of your modem, location of the server you’re connected to, the performance of your device and your in-home WiFi setup can impact the speeds experienced. If your plan uses a wireless connection, then factors such as the distance you are from a cell tower, the network capability and the overall use of that cell tower by other consumers can impact the speed experienced.
Understand WiFi speeds
Learn more about factors that affect your internet speed inside your home. Understand WiFi speeds
Any questions?
I could only test on WiFi. Why are my results lower than my plan should get?
WiFi will almost always be slower than if you're connecting via an ethernet cable. There are a few reasons for this:
- The distance your device is from the modem
- The number of devices that are using the same network
- The WiFi bands you're connected to
- WiFi interference and obstacles
- The capability of your devices
Why doesn't my internet reach the room at the back of my house?
The further your device is from your modem, the weaker the WiFi signal will be. If you have a big house you might find there are places where your WiFi coverage has fewer signal bars, or dead spots where it can't quite reach.
If this happens, consider expanding your WiFi coverage. You can do that by connecting a WiFi device like the Spark Smart Mesh 2.
Why does the internet keeps dropping its connection to my device?
If your connection is dropping on all your devices at the same time, this could mean there's a modem or network issue. If your internet keeps dropping on only one of your devices, there might be an issue with your device. Here are a few things you can try:
- Restart your device.
- Check the device isn't too far away from the modem. If it is, you may need to expand your WiFi coverage by using a WiFi device like the Spark Smart Mesh. Find out more about Spark Smart Mesh
- Check your device’s firmware or software is updated to the latest version.
- Perform a network reset on the device. Keep in mind, you may need to re-enter your WiFi credentials once you've done this.
My plan has Fibre 300 or Fibre Max. Why can I only get 100Mbps or less on my speed test?
There are a few factors that could limit your internet to a speed that is lower than your plan speed:
- Your ethernet cable. If you have Fibre broadband, check the category of the cable connecting your fibre box (ONT) to your modem. This should be Cat 5e or above. Ethernet cables that are Cat 5 or below limit the speed to 100Mbps or less. Most ethernet cables have the category printed along the cable.
- Modem compatibility. Check your modem is compatible with your broadband plan's speed. Not all modems can deliver higher speeds, especially if you have an older model. Check modem compatibility
- Your devices. There are a few things that may limit the speed to your devices:
- Older mobile phones, computers and other devices may not be compatible with higher speeds. Check with your device manufacturer to see what the maximum WiFi speeds they'll support are.
- Viruses or firewalls may also slow down your device's speed. Keep your anti-virus software up to date.
- Check your firewall settings to see if there are any rules or configurations that may be slowing down your internet.
Why do I get different results at different times of the day?
Households often have many devices connecting to the internet at the same time. Mobile phones and laptops are usually connected via WiFi. You may also have smart devices connected, such as TVs, security cameras, voice assistants and smart lighting.
The more devices you have connected and using the internet at the same time, the slower the speed available to each of them will be.
For example, you might get a good internet speed when you're working from home alone. Then in the evening when your family or flatmates are home and gaming or streaming movies, the speed may be lower.