We have discussed this before (including Vetta and Prodigi comments). Here's the official launch, with more ISPs joining:

 

Chorus’ new affordable fibre product targets the digital divide by capping retail prices at $30 a month, giving eligible low-income households access to fast fibre broadband.  

 

Chorus Executive General Manager for Access, Ken Walliss, says the product puts the company’s purpose into action, unleashing potential through connectivity to enable better futures for New Zealanders.  

 

“We’re very clear on our purpose, and we see Chorus driving positive inter-generational change for Aotearoa and its people. Having inclusive access to world-class digital infrastructure is foundational to this.” 

 

“Yet nearly 400,000* New Zealand households can’t afford meaningful digital connectivity – families unable to afford an appropriate device or suitable internet connection for everyday use. Equity Fibre 100 helps address that gap.” 

 

Chorus’ wholesale product ‘Equity Fibre 100’ is retail capped at $30 a month, delivering fibre broadband at 100/20 Mbps.  

 

“Fibre is essential infrastructure - as fundamental to modern life as roads, power or water,” says Walliss. “Kiwi families rely on digital connectivity to video call, learn, work and access essential services daily.” 

 

Developed and trialled with community and launch partners, the product looks to address one of the most persistent barriers to digital inclusion: affordability. 

 

"We have been deliberate about the retail price cap to keep this accessible. Independent research by Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa (DECA) has identified $30 a month as realistically sustainable for eligible families. Behind every connection enabled by Chorus’ Equity Fibre is a family in need, getting New Zealand’s best broadband technology with fast, reliable fibre" says Walliss. 

 

Four retailers are now offering a low-cost product based on Chorus' Equity Fibre 100, meaning eligible consumers nationwide can now sign-up through retailers: Fusion, Vetta, Prodigi and InTune - with more gearing up to launch over the coming weeks. 

 

To ensure the product reaches those who need it most, eligibility is limited to: 

 

The household must be in public or community housing, or have a child enrolled in a school with an equity index of 490 or above.
Proof of low-income status, either a Community Services Card or a Benefit Breakdown Letter from MyMSD; and 
The address must have an existing Chorus fibre connection (ONT) that has been inactive for at least three months.   
Households are encouraged to contact participating retailers to verify their eligibility. Chorus will monitor how well these rules work and may provide needs-based exceptions if appropriate. 

 

Chorus’ Equity Fibre 100 is designed to support low-income households in public or community housing or lower-decile school communities who have an inactive fibre connection, and who can show eligibility through a Community Services Card or MSD benefit letter. Households are encouraged to contact a participating retailer to verify their eligibility. 

 

Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa has been supportive in Chorus’ product development. Kaupapa Lead Bronwyn Scott says the stakes for affected families go well beyond internet access. 

 

“Internet access has quietly become a prerequisite for opportunity. From job applications to homework to healthcare, the offline gap shapes life outcomes in ways that don’t get enough attention. I welcome the efforts Chorus is making to tackle affordability, a practical step in the right direction.” 

 

An affordable wholesale product is a key part of Chorus's wider commitment to closing the digital divide in Aotearoa New Zealand, which focusses on working alongside community and partners to drive collective action.

 

"Closing the digital divide isn't something any single organisation can do alone," says Walliss. “Equity Fibre 100 works best when it sits alongside device access, digital skills support, and community networks that know their people. That's the model we're building toward and hope to scale."

 

Walliss says Chorus is encouraged by early interest from community-focused retailers and is actively working to bring more retail providers into the programme.  

 

“More providers mean more families connected. We look forward to working with those that share that goal.”