Broadband speeds double in a year

Broadband speeds have surged in the past 12 months on the back of technology investment by internet service providers.

Quarterly performance data released by the Commerce Commission measuring the performance of 12 ISPs in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin found on average broadband speeds improved 100 per cent in 2008.

Report author Epitiro Technologies points to investment by Telecom in ADSL2+ technology at local exchanges and network investment by all players as the reason for the lift.

It is the first time the survey has measured speeds delivered by ADSL2+.

Epitiro said about 60 per cent of broadband lines had been upgraded to ADSL2+ - a technology that boosts speeds up to three times that of regular broadband technology over copper line networks.

The findings were based on tests at 11 secret locations in the main centres on top-of-the line broadband services available to householders purchased by mystery shoppers.

To fully benefit from the faster speeds of ADSL2+ technology, householders need a modem upgrade, an appropriate broadband plan and to live within 2.5km of a telephone exchange. 51 per cent of homes are more than 1.5km from an exchange.

Telecom Retail say it has sent 220,000 ADSL2+ modems to customers.

Epitiro expects the current investment plans of the telcos to bring improved broadband speeds in the next three years.