Big ISPs score poorly

Telecom and Vodafone are among the worst-performing Internet service providers, according to a Consumer New Zealand survey.

More than 10,000 Consumer NZ members rated 19 ISPs and most said the quality of Internet services had not improved over the past year.

They reported slower than promised speeds, drop-outs, poor customer service and long waiting times when calling for assistance.

Palmerston North ISP Inspire was the top telco, 96 percent of customers rating its performance as "good" or "very good".

Telecom Xtra came in last with 49 per cent and Vodafone was third to last with 61 percent.

TelstraClear scored 81 percent thanks to the consistent speeds and performance of its cable network in Wellington and Christchurch.