The number of fibre broadband connections in New Zealand has more than doubled in the past year, but fibre still accounts for only 5% of connections.
New Zealand had 105,000 fibre connections as at June 30, up from 46,000 at the corresponding time last year, according to the Internet Service Provider Survey.
"This change is being driven by the ultra-fast broadband roll-out continuing, and strong demand for fibre from customers," Statistics NZ international and business performance statistics senior manager Jason Attewell said.
"One in every 20 broadband connections is through fibre. While it's still a small proportion, it has the potential to grow rapidly now that the infrastructure for connecting to fibre is available."
More than 60% of ISPs supplied customers with fibre-based connections.
"Faster fibre connections allow for more data-heavy Internet usage, and Kiwis are embracing the possibilities that fibre brings," Mr Attewell said.
"Both households and businesses can benefit from fast Internet - streaming video, gaming, and video conferencing are all very accessible with fibre broadband."
At the other end of the scale, 53,000 homes and businesses - 3% of connections - still have a dial-up internet, down from 65,000 in the previous year.
The survey also found strong growth in the number of uncapped internet connections - 655,000 in June this year, up from 155,000 a year earlier.
One-third of internet connections are now uncapped, and 60% allow 50GB or more to be used each month.
The annual Internet Service Provider Survey is sent to all internet service providers in New Zealand.
