Spark is the latest provider to announce their price increase for 2024. Spark broadband and mobile customers are likely to be paying between $2 and $8 per month from August, depending on what their plan is.
For example, a customer on the Essential Fibre plan could see an increase of $5, or 5.5%. This price rise would be from $91 to $96 per month.
The Spark price rise, in response to increasing industry costs, will come at no comfort to Kiwis across the country who are all battling the cost of living crisis.
In the most recent quarterly update, Stats NZ revealed that inflation was sitting at 4% for the 12 months to March 2023. This is down from the previous year of 6.7%. We can expect the next update to come in the next two weeks.
A Spark spokeswoman has acknowledged that rising prices are not welcome news, but a necessary one. “While we do our best to keep price increases to a minimum, we’re adjusting the price of some of our broadband and mobile plans from August 1 to reflect increases in our operating costs.”
She explains that price increases are necessary to uphold their customer service and maintain the investments made in the technology and network infrastructure.
Chorus, which operates the UFB fibre network, is allowed one wholesale price rise per year to coincide with the rise of inflation.
Spark, along with other broadband providers such One NZ and 2degrees, tend to offload that increase to their customers through a rise in their broadband prices.
While Spark has made their price increase announcement, their biggest rivals, One NZ and 2degrees, have not yet made a move to raise their prices. However, given the current cost of the industry, and growing pressures, Kiwis should expect prices to rise soon.
A spokesman for One NZ has outlined that they are feeling the pressure of rising costs in the industry. For example, employer costs, wholesale price increases, and maintenance costs of the technology and infrastructure.
The cost of living has seen price rises in various industries, including power, water (for Aucklanders), fuel, and for streaming and subscription services such as Disney+ and Microsoft. If you are struggling with your budget, we highly recommend that you jump on our comparison platforms, to compare your broadband, power, mobile, and finances to unlock savings that can make a difference.
Here at Broadband Compare, we are all about helping Kiwis find the best deal possible for their broadband plan. As costs continue to rise in the telecommunications industry, and across the board, we urge Kiwis to jump on our user-friendly comparison platform to compare their broadband plan. The key to financial wellbeing, especially in this cost of living crisis, is to stay fully informed. By comparing, you can make a fully informed choice, and are therefore more likely to find a better deal that can help you make savings in these challenging times. Check whether you are on the right fibre speed plan for your unique household needs. There are several fibre speeds available in Aotearoa, and each one suits different households.
Jump on Broadband Compare now to get ahead of the Spark price rise, to avoid loyalty tax, and to save money to make a true difference to your budget.
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