When you sign up for a new broadband plan with a new broadband internet provider through Broadband Compare, they will often provide you with a router (modem) so you can get online.
There are a number of internet providers in New Zealand that provide a free router or free modem and sometimes you just pay a courier fee… but sometimes they are not free and you will pay a lot more. Either way, there are often times that you may have an old router or modem or your new piece of technology is not as good a specification router as you would like. If that is the case, you may wish to buy your own modem or router or use one that you already have.
Sometimes the one you get sent by the ISP will be a bit old, or you may want some more powerful or something that suits your home better. Fortunately, you can always use your own router. Providers might not recommend using something they haven't supplied, and it can get a bit complicated… but doing so can certainly be worth it if you know what you're doing.
If you are a technical novice, we would always recommend going with the ISP recommended router, this will allow them to support you better if you have problems connecting to the internet as your broadband provider will know that piece of equipment and be well versed in its support.
· It makes it easier to switch broadband provider from one to another if you have your own router
· You may get yourself a better technically specified router which is more powerful or more suitable to your home than the one given to you by your internet service provider
· You might be sure about your own router’s performance and trust it’s abilities
· You can often get a better NZ broadband deal from a wider range of providers
· You'll have more control over your home network
· You're able to use your old one and you know how it works if you are using your old router
· Using the router your provider hasn’t given you, you might get a little less customer support
· Setting up and using your own router requires a certain level of tech-savviness
· Not all routers are compatible with all broadband connection types
If you are looking to buy your own router or modem, then check out these Broadband Compare recommendations – you can click on the link to visit one of our preferred retailers to buy.
TP-Link TL-MR3020 Portable 3G/4G Wireless N Router
TP-LINK 300M Wireless N Router
TP-Link 300M Wireless N ADSL2+ Modem Router
TP-Link Wireless N ADSL2+ Modem Router with USB
TP-Link N600 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit VDSL/ADSL2+ Modem Router
TP-LINK 300M Wireless N Router
TP-Link TL-WR841N 300Mbps Wireless N Cable Router UK Plug
TP-Link N600 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit VDSL/ADSL2+ Modem Router
TP-LINK AC750 433Mbps (5GHz) 300Mbps (2.4GHz) Dual-Band Wireless Gigabit Router Black (V1.0)
TP-Link AC1600 Wireless Gigabit VDSL/ADSL Modem Router + Gift (Extender)