Naked Broadband Interest Surges
Demand for naked broadband has
increased by 22% in New Zealand since 2016, according to
data from broadband comparison website Glimp.co.nz.
Unlike traditional
broadband which typically bundles a landline phone with
internet access, naked broadband plans don’t include a
landline phone, often making them a more affordable option.
In January 2016 58% of visitors to Glimp were looking
at naked broadband plans. In June of this year the number
had risen to 71%.
And it seems internet users in
Queenstown are at the forefront of this trend. Search data
shows that 85 per cent of queries from Queenstown residents
in the last year were for naked broadband plans.
Next
up was Wellington where 72% of searches were hunting out
naked broadband deals. They were followed by Invercargill
(71%) and Palmerston North (70%).
While canny
Southerners may be at the forefront of seeking out a better
deal, the general trend is towards naked broadband plans in
New Zealand, says Glimp CEO Michael Speight.
“Kiwis know value when they see it and have been
quick to adapt their preferences as landlines have become
less and less necessary,” he said.
Speight says a
contributing factor in the rise of naked broadband is the
increase in plans offering consumers unlimited
data.
“With the vast majority of broadband plans
also being unlimited, it seems people are making the most
free apps such as Whatsapp and Viber to call friends and
family, eliminating the need for a
landline.”