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 that 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% 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, followed by Invercargill (71%) and Palmerston North (70%).
The general trend all across New Zealand is towards naked broadband plans, said 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 of free apps such as WhatsApp and Viber to call friends and family, eliminating the need for a landline.”