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Wi-Fi & Home Networks
If you’ve had 4G internet for a few years, the type of antenna on your roof might be the reason your connection isn’t as fast as it could be. A Common Setup That’s Now Outdated Across rural and semi-rural New Zealand, thousands of homes still use a type of antenna called a Yagi, which was […]
If you’ve had 4G internet for a few years, the type of antenna on your roof might be the reason your connection isn’t as fast as it could be.
A Common Setup That’s Now Outdated
Across rural and semi-rural New Zealand, thousands of homes still use a type of antenna called a Yagi, which was installed during the early days of the Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI). These were commonly used between 2011 and 2020 to improve 4G signal strength, especially in areas with patchy coverage.
They look a bit like a long white triangle or rectangle, mounted high up on a pole or on the roof. And while they do work — many people have used them for years — what most don’t realise is that these antennas can actually limit your internet speed, especially with today’s mobile network technologies.
Why Signal Strength Isn’t the Whole Story
Many people believe that the more bars you have, the faster your internet should be. That’s true to an extent — but it’s only half the story.
Modern 4G and 5G networks use a technique called MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) to increase data throughput. It’s a bit like opening up extra lanes on a highway — more lanes mean more room for traffic (data) to flow. However, to utilise those extra lanes, your antenna must support them.
The catch?
Most older single-polarity Yagi antennas only support one data stream, even if the network could offer two or more. That means your modem is limited to just one lane, and can’t take full advantage of the speeds your provider (or tower) could deliver.
What Is “Polarisation” and Why Does It Matter?
Every radio signal is transmitted in a particular orientation — usually vertical or horizontal. If your antenna is only aligned to receive one of those (as many older Yagis are), then your modem can only pick up half of what’s being broadcast.
Today’s dual-polarity antennas are designed to receive signals from both orientations simultaneously, allowing them to utilise their full MIMO capability. This can mean:
- Higher download and upload speeds
- Better performance in poor signal areas
- Improved stability during peak times
And in many cases, switching to a properly polarised antenna can unlock 20–100% more speed, even without changing your plan.
Can’t You Just Add Another Antenna?
Technically, yes, and some people do.
You can stack a second antenna at a 45-degree angle to achieve “dual-polarity,” but it’s not ideal. It’s bulky, fiddly, and prone to misalignment or weather interference. You end up with more cables, more weight, and often worse performance than a single purpose-built antenna.
Today’s better solution is a compact, dual-polarity antenna that does the job properly, with less gear, a cleaner installation, and better performance.
But the Antenna Is Only One Part of the Puzzle
Sometimes the antenna isn’t the main issue — it’s the cabling.
Many older setups run long coaxial cables from the roof all the way down to a modem inside the house. That signal travels through the cable, and the longer the run, the more signal you lose.
This loss accumulates, especially if the cable is older or was installed without high-quality connectors or proper waterproofing. That’s why we often recommend:
- Outdoor modem/antenna units: The SIM card is inserted directly into the unit on the roof or outbuilding, with no coaxial loss.
- Ethernet or fibre run inside: Faster, cleaner, and more reliable.
- Directional tuning: We use specialised tools and experience to align the gear to the strongest signal (not always the nearest tower).
A Smarter Setup = Smarter Internet
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
You might be in full line of sight of a tower. You might be in a valley, behind a hill, or surrounded by native bush. Every property is different, and so are the optimal antenna types.
At WombatNET, we don’t sell off-the-shelf kits.
We assess each location on its own merits, often using custom equipment, tools, and mounts to get the best results. Whether it’s 4G, 4G+, or 5G (where available), our goal is simple: get you the best possible performance for what you’re already paying.
You Might Be Paying for Speed You’re Not Getting
The frustrating part? You may be on a plan that should deliver decent speeds, but your antenna or cabling is getting in the way.
We’ve seen customers paying $119–$179 per month for 4G service and only getting 5–10 Mbps. With the right antenna and setup, that can jump to 30, 50, or even 100+ Mbps in some areas.
“We switched from our old setup to a new antenna and modem from WombatNET — went from 12 Mbps to 75 Mbps overnight.”– Customer in Kaitoke, Upper Hutt
We Can Help (Even If You’re Not in Our Coverage Area)
WombatNET specialises in rural and semi-rural broadband across the Wellington region — including Shannon, Upper Hutt, Kāpiti, Whiteman’s Valley, Ōtaki, Wainuiomata Coast, Foxton, and more.
If you’re unsure whether your current setup is holding you back or want some advice, we’re happy to help. Even if you’re outside our installation area, we can usually point you in the right direction or suggest a better antenna type for your needs.
✅ Unlimited 4G+ broadband from $99/month
✅ No coax loss setups
✅ Installed by locals who understand rural
Learn more about WombatWireless™ 4G+ here.
📨 Contact us here or send us a photo of your current antenna setup via email.
We’ll let you know if it’s time for an upgrade — no pressure, no jargon.
Service Information
Motorsport events are dynamic, fast-paced, and incredibly exciting—but they’re also notoriously challenging environments for internet connectivity. Racetracks often experience slow, overloaded networks, making it difficult for teams to communicate, access critical race data, stream live events, or even unwind after a busy day. WombatNET recently had the opportunity to showcase just how easily and effectively […]
Motorsport events are dynamic, fast-paced, and incredibly exciting—but they’re also notoriously challenging environments for internet connectivity. Racetracks often experience slow, overloaded networks, making it difficult for teams to communicate, access critical race data, stream live events, or even unwind after a busy day.
WombatNET recently had the opportunity to showcase just how easily and effectively we could overcome these challenges—despite a large crowd of 500–1000 attendees already using the network—at the Taupō International Motorsport Park during the second-to-last round of the 24-25 Honda Cup race season, held as part of the NZIGP weekend.
The Honda Cup itself is a bit of a quirky gem—one I’ve grown up around and hold a lot of respect for. At first glance, you might wonder why anyone would want to race 25+-year-old Hondas—but they’re affordable, easy to maintain, and the series is full of variety. With multiple classes on the grid and teams from all over the country, the Honda Cup is anything but boring.
What really sets it apart, though, is the culture. Motorsport is always ultra-competitive, but at Honda Cup events, you’ll see teams sharing tools, parts, and knowledge—to make sure everyone gets out on track and nobody misses out. It’s a grassroots racing environment with a real sense of community, and we’re always stoked to support that with solid internet in the background.
Supporting Team RWorksNZ, we provided a powerful yet remarkably simple portable connectivity solution far exceeding the typical trackside Wi-Fi experience.
The Challenge
Public Wi-Fi at motorsport events often struggles under heavy load—especially during major national events like NZIGP, where hundreds and sometimes thousands of devices compete for limited bandwidth.
Event organisers typically withhold passwords because the existing network infrastructure can’t handle additional devices. This was precisely the case at Taupō.
The WombatNET Solution
With minimal equipment—a compact Nokia FastMile 4G+ modem and a Wi-Fi 6 Access Point (AP)—we quickly established a high-performing 4G+ connection to a One NZ tower approximately five kilometres away—despite it already servicing hundreds of other devices at the event.
Within less than an hour, our temporary solution delivered speeds of over 200 Mbps, comfortably meeting the needs of Team RWorksNZ.
The setup was remarkably straightforward: point the antenna, power up the unit, and connect devices. This simplicity, paired with low power consumption and rapid deployment, made our solution perfect for temporary or event-based scenarios.
Results
Throughout the weekend, the team effortlessly accessed race documentation, communicated in real time, and even live-streamed the action. At day’s end, the connection provided ample bandwidth for entertainment and relaxation, something rarely achievable with typical trackside internet.
Why Choose WombatNET for Event Wi-Fi?
• Rapid deployment: Operational within an hour.
• Compact and portable: Minimal equipment and low power needs.
• Reliable connectivity: High-speed connection without network congestion.
• Flexible: Ideal for short-term events, remote locations, or temporary requirements.
Ready to bring robust internet to your next event? Whether it’s motorsport, music, or community-led—we’ve got the tools to keep you connected.
For more information or to discuss your connectivity requirements, contact us.
Service Information
WombatWireless™ X vs. 4G+: What’s the Best Rural Broadband Option for You? If you live rurally, choosing the right internet connection can feel like comparing apples to oranges — especially when both are wireless. So what’s the real difference between WombatWireless™ and our 4G+ service? Let’s break it down so you can confidently choose the service […]
WombatWireless™ X vs. 4G+: What’s the Best Rural Broadband Option for You?
If you live rurally, choosing the right internet connection can feel like comparing apples to oranges — especially when both are wireless. So what’s the real difference between WombatWireless™ and our 4G+ service?
Let’s break it down so you can confidently choose the service that best suits your property, lifestyle, and devices.
🛰️ What Is WombatWireless™ X?
WombatWireless™ X is our custom-built fixed wireless broadband service. It uses dedicated towers we’ve installed around the Hutt Valley and rural Wellington to beam internet directly to a dish on your property.
This isn’t cellular or Starlink — it’s a professionally installed, long-range, point-to-multipoint system with a managed network behind it.
✔️ Best for: permanent homes, rural blocks with a clear line-of-sight to our towers, families, and home offices.
📶 What Is WombatWireless™ 4G+?
WombatWireless™ 4G+ is a managed rural broadband service powered by the One New Zealand mobile network, enhanced with professional-grade hardware, signal optimisation, and local support.
Unlike typical mobile broadband services — where a provider merely ships you a box without guidance—we test your signal first, recommend the best hardware for your location, and install it for peak performance.
We offer indoor router setups and outdoor integrated modems, which combine the 4G modem and directional antenna into one weatherproof unit. This eliminates coaxial cable loss, gives us more flexibility on placement, and boosts real-world speeds—especially in signal-challenged areas.
🧠 What does the “+” in 4G+ mean?
4G+ refers to LTE Advanced, a faster, more efficient version of standard 4G. It can combine multiple frequencies (carrier aggregation) to deliver better speeds, lower latency, and more stability — but only if your equipment and signal are properly tuned. That’s why our managed install matters.
✔️ Best for: properties without direct line-of-sight to WombatNET towers, remote or off-grid homes, temporary setups, caravans, baches, and customers who want professional help setting things up right the first time
🔍 Key Differences (That Actually Matter)
1. How the Signal Gets to You
• WombatWireless™ X: A fixed wireless signal is transmitted from a WombatNET tower directly to a receiver on your property. It’s a private, managed network — not public infrastructure.
• WombatWireless™ 4G+: Connects via One NZ’s 4G network using licensed mobile spectrum, enhanced with directional antennas and/or outdoor LTE modems, optimised for your site.
What this means:
WombatWireless™ X offers remarkably consistent speeds. 4G+ can vary depending on mobile tower congestion, but our tuning, antenna placement, and LTE Advanced support push it far beyond “off-the-shelf” 4G setups.
2. Speed & Performance
• WombatWireless™ X: We fully manage the network from tower to backhaul. Traffic is shaped 24/7 to prevent bottlenecks and ensure steady performance.
• 4G+: We use signal-testing tools to choose the right modem, antenna, and tower. When installed correctly with the right LTE bands, 4G+ can deliver excellent speeds — especially when leveraging LTE Advanced (carrier aggregation).
Real-world insight:
Most providers will just courier you a modem. We don’t. We install and test on-site to make sure you’re using the strongest band, placed at the optimal location, and getting maximum performance. This often results in double the speeds of an off-the-shelf plug-and-play 4G connection.
Tip: If your Netflix buffers only at night, network congestion may be the culprit.
3. Installation & Equipment
• WombatWireless™ X: Requires external dish install with clear line-of-sight to our towers. Once installed, it delivers rock-solid service.
• 4G+: Offers both self-install and managed options, but almost all Wellington-based users opt for the managed install. We may recommend:
•A directional antenna with cable run (limited to ~5m due to coax loss), or
•An integrated outdoor modem (modem + antenna in one), connected via Ethernet, which we can mount further from the indoor Wi-Fi router for optimal signal.
Why this matters:
The integrated outdoor modems eliminate coaxial signal loss, allow longer cable runs (100m+ via Ethernet), and maintain signal integrity — crucial for marginal reception areas.
4. Flexibility & Portability
•WombatWireless™ X: Installed to your house — not portable.
•4G+: You can unplug the modem and take it with you to another spot with 4G coverage (perfect for baches or tiny homes).
5. Latency
•WombatWireless™ X: Low enough to support cloud gaming, Zoom, VoIP and even CCTV backhauls.
•4G+: Higher latency and jitter due to the way mobile networks route traffic — still usable, but less ideal for time-sensitive stuff.
🧠 So, Which Should You Choose?
| Scenario |
Best Option |
| Farming property with clear view to a hill? |
WombatWireless™ X |
| Renting or moving soon? |
4G+ |
| Want to stream 4K, game, or run a business from home? |
WombatWireless™ X |
| Living in a dead zone with no towers nearby? |
We may need to test both options |
| Already have a good 4G signal indoors? |
4G+ might be the easiest place to start |
💡 Real Talk from Alex
We’ve built our network from the ground up — installing our own gear on hilltops, water tanks, and rural land. Our goal isn’t to sell you something that “kind of works.” It’s to deliver a connection that actually fits your life.
Not sure which service fits you best? Our team can run a free desktop assessment to check tower coverage and signal strength at your exact address.
👉 Contact us now to find the right fit.
👉 Learn more about WombatWireless™ X
👉 Learn more about WombatWireless™ 4G+
Security & Safety
We know the unexpected sometimes happens. Whether it’s a power surge, accidental cable damage, or a modem failure, unexpected equipment issues can leave you without internet when you need it most. That’s why we’re introducing our new Equipment Insurance Plans, designed to protect your connection and keep you online with minimal hassle. Why Choose WombatNET […]
We know the unexpected sometimes happens. Whether it’s a power surge, accidental cable damage, or a modem failure, unexpected equipment issues can leave you without internet when you need it most. That’s why we’re introducing our new Equipment Insurance Plans, designed to protect your connection and keep you online with minimal hassle.
Why Choose WombatNET Equipment Insurance?
Replacing or repairing internet equipment can be costly. With our new insurance plans, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your modem, dish, and cables are covered against unexpected damage.
Basic Equipment Insurance – $5/month
- Covers accidental damage, failure or gradual wear and tear for your modem and external dish.
- Includes free replacements for faulty hardware.
- Covers accidental cable damage (up to 50m of cabling per incident).
- Available for customers outside their 24-month contract term.
Premium Equipment Insurance – $11.50/month
- Includes everything in the Basic Plan, plus:
- Priority support—faster assistance when you need it.
- No call-out or travel charges for service-related issues.
- Free modem upgrade every 5 years to keep up with the latest technology.
- Option to insure additional mesh units for $2/month per unit.
How Does It Work?
- Sign Up – Add insurance to your service by opening a ticket via the client portal or call us at 0800 424 281.
- Stay Protected – If your equipment is damaged or faulty, contact our support team for a free replacement (based on your plan).
- Enjoy Hassle-Free Connectivity – Get back online quickly without the stress of unexpected repair costs.
Who Should Consider Equipment Insurance?
This plan is perfect for:
- Customers in rural or high-risk areas where weather or interference may impact equipment and take longer to get back online.
- Households with multiple users and devices relying on a stable connection.
- Anyone who wants to avoid costly out-of-pocket replacements.
Get Started Today!
Sign up today by opening a ticket in the client portal or call 0800 424 281 to add Equipment Insurance to your plan.
The Fine Print
- Insurance coverage applies only to active WombatNET customers with no overdue balance.
- Coverage includes accidental damage, wear and tear, and faulty equipment but excludes intentional damage, loss, theft, and third-party tampering.
- Call-out and travel fees are waived for service-related issues only under the Premium plan; user-related faults may still incur charges.
- Modem replacements under the Premium plan are provided once every five years and cover one primary modem per household. Additional units require extended coverage.
- Cable replacements are covered up to 50m per incident; additional lengths may incur a fee.
- Equipment replacements are subject to availability and may be of equivalent or better specifications.
- Customers must notify WombatNET within 14 days of an incident to be eligible for replacement.
- WombatNET reserves the right to modify or discontinue the insurance plan with 30 days’ notice.
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