WombatNET Help Centre
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Troubleshooting
Welcome to the WombatNET Help Centre — your go-to resource for guides, troubleshooting tips, and everything you need to get the most out of your WombatNET service. What You’ll Find Here We’ve put this Help Centre together to make it easy to find answers without having to pick up the phone. Whether you’re setting up […]
Welcome to the WombatNET Help Centre — your go-to resource for guides, troubleshooting tips, and everything you need to get the most out of your WombatNET service.
What You’ll Find Here
We’ve put this Help Centre together to make it easy to find answers without having to pick up the phone. Whether you’re setting up your equipment for the first time, investigating a slow connection, or just want to understand your plan better, you’ll find step-by-step guides and clear explanations here.
Our articles cover:
- Troubleshooting – Connection drops, slow speeds, and equipment issues
- Setup & Installation – Getting your modem, dish, or ONT up and running
- Wi-Fi & Home Networks – Extending coverage, fixing dead spots, and router tips
- Service Information – Plans, pricing, coverage areas, and how our technology works
- Security & Safety – Protecting your network and staying safe online
- Network Status – Planned maintenance, outages, and network updates
This Help Centre is growing. We’re regularly adding new guides and improving existing ones. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please reach out — your question might become our next article.
Need to Speak to Someone?
We’re a small, local team based in Wellington, and we genuinely enjoy helping. If you can’t find the answer here, don’t hesitate to get in touch directly.
We’d rather you reach out than sit stuck with an issue. You’ll always talk to a real person — no bots, no overseas call centres.
Wi-Fi & Home Networks
If you’ve had 4G internet for a few years, the antenna on your roof could be the reason your connection isn’t performing as well as it should. Here’s what you need to know — and what you can do about it. A Common Setup That’s Now Outdated Across rural and semi-rural New Zealand, thousands of […]
If you’ve had 4G internet for a few years, the antenna on your roof could be the reason your connection isn’t performing as well as it should. Here’s what you need to know — and what you can do about it.
A Common Setup That’s Now Outdated
Across rural and semi-rural New Zealand, thousands of homes still use an antenna type called a Yagi — installed during the early days of the Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) between 2011 and 2020. These were designed to improve 4G signal in areas with patchy coverage, and they did their job at the time.
Yagi antennas look like a long white triangle or rectangle mounted high on a pole or the roof. While they still work, most people don’t realise these older antennas can actually limit your internet speed — especially with today’s mobile network technologies.
Still using a Yagi antenna? If your antenna looks like a long thin bar or arrow shape on your roof, it’s likely a single-polarity Yagi — and it could be limiting your speeds. Read on to find out why.
Why Signal Strength Isn’t the Whole Story
Many people assume more signal bars = faster internet. That’s partly true — but it’s only half the picture.
Modern 4G and 5G networks use a technique called MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) to increase data throughput. Think of it like opening extra lanes on a motorway — more lanes means more room for traffic to flow. But to use those extra lanes, your antenna needs to support them.
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.
![A graphic depicting a dual-chain connection between a 4G / 5G cellular base station and a Dual-Polarity Outdoor Rural Broadband Antenna]()
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), 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, unlocking their full MIMO capability. This can mean:
- Higher download and upload speeds
- Better performance in poor signal areas
- Improved stability during peak times
Switching to a properly polarised antenna can unlock 20–100% more speed — without changing your plan. We’ve seen customers go from 12 Mbps to 75 Mbps overnight simply by upgrading the antenna and modem setup.
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 — cleaner installation, less gear, 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. 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 weatherproofing.
That’s why we often recommend:
- Outdoor modem/antenna units: The SIM card is inserted directly into the unit on the roof or outbuilding — no coaxial loss.
- Ethernet or fibre run inside: Faster, cleaner, and more reliable.
- Directional tuning: We use specialised tools and experience to align gear to the strongest signal (not always the nearest tower).
Coax vs Ethernet cable length: Coaxial cable is best kept to a minimum (10–15m). Ethernet, on the other hand, can run 100m+ with no signal loss — making it far better suited to rural installs where the antenna needs to be high up or far from the house.
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+
📷 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
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 […]
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.
Not sure which is right for you? 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.
🛰️ 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.
![]()
![RCG One NZ WombatWireless 4G+ Cell Tower]()
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 — not your hardware. This is common with off-the-shelf 4G services. Our managed approach and dedicated support helps identify and address these issues quickly.
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.
![]()
![4G+ Outdoor Integrated Modem]()
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 applications.
🧠 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.
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 Equipment Insurance Plans, designed to protect your connection and keep you online with minimal hassle. Why Choose WombatNET Equipment […]
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 Equipment Insurance Plans, designed to protect your connection and keep you online with minimal hassle.
Who can sign up? Equipment Insurance is available to all active WombatNET customers with no overdue balance. You can add it to your plan at any time by opening a ticket in the client portal or calling 0800 424 281.
Why Choose WombatNET Equipment Insurance?
Replacing or repairing internet equipment can be costly. With our Equipment Insurance, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your modem, dish, and cables are covered against unexpected damage — without the stress of unexpected out-of-pocket repair bills.
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.
Recommended for: Customers in rural or high-risk areas, households with multiple devices, or anyone who relies heavily on a stable connection for work, study, or streaming.
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
Please read the following terms carefully before signing up.
- 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.
Important: Equipment Insurance does not cover theft, intentional damage, or issues caused by third-party interference. If you’re unsure whether an incident qualifies, contact us before submitting a claim.
Insights & Analysis
Policy & Submissions
Alex Stewart: Why Rural Connectivity Faces a Crisis (And What I Told Parliament)
Seven years ago, I visited a rural community that had been begging for better access to connectivity for years. The big telcos had looked at the area, done the math on how many customers they could sign up, and walked away. The community was told they’d need to raise a few hundred thousand dollars themselves […]
Seven years ago, I visited a rural community that had been begging for better access to connectivity for years. The big telcos had looked at the area, done the math on how many customers they could sign up, and walked away. The community was told they’d need to raise a few hundred thousand dollars themselves before the telcos would even consider building a new cell tower near them. So I decided to build my own.
That’s how WombatNET was born. Not with government funding or venture capital, but because the major providers had decided certain communities simply weren’t worth their time. We filled that gap, putting up towers in Mangaroa, Whitemans Valley, Wainuiomata, and across the Kāpiti Coast. We became the local operator people could trust to actually show up.
The market has shifted dramatically since then. Starlink arrived, Amazon’s Leo is coming, and suddenly, rural connectivity looks like a growth market worth competing for. The domestic providers who’ve been serving these communities for years are being priced out by foreign satellite companies with billions in backing. Last October, Evolution Networks in the Bay of Plenty collapsed (paywalled). Other regional operators are under pressure. The Commerce Commission’s own report warns that Starlink could easily become the dominant or monopoly supplier nationwide.
And yet somehow, this isn’t news.
Peaches Get More Attention Than Telecommunications
I saw on the news last night that the New Zealand government found Chinese peaches are being ‘dumped’ into the country, selling for less here than in their home market. MBIE investigated after a complaint from Watties last year, and the Commerce Minister has now proposed anti-dumping duties of 17.78 per cent. The logic is straightforward: market dumping distorts competition and harms local producers.
But here’s what I don’t understand. Peaches warrant a full government investigation, proposed duties, and national news coverage. Meanwhile, an entire industry providing critical infrastructure to rural communities is being priced out by foreign providers that charge New Zealand customers near the bottom of their global pricing range, while their home base, the United States, sits near the top, and nobody seems to think that’s worth examining.
Maybe if they’re dumping in many other countries as well, that makes it acceptable here? I’m genuinely asking, because the logic escapes me.
What I Told Parliament
In January, I presented to Parliament’s Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee on the Telecommunications Amendment Bill. The bill itself dealt with, among other things, changes to how the Telecommunications Development Levy is collected and how fibre companies access shared property for installations. We supported both provisions.
But I also put on the record a problem that I don’t think gets discussed enough. Among other system issues, domestic rural connectivity providers face structural barriers to capital access that foreign, billionaire-backed satellite providers don’t. Banks won’t lend against rural telecommunications infrastructure because they classify it as illiquid. Towers on leased land, short-lifetime radio equipment, and spectrum licences – none of it fits the traditional lending criteria. So while large telcos can borrow against urban assets to fund rural builds, many regional operators are entirely locked out of the capital markets.
This isn’t about a lack of technical capability or demand for our services. The technology to compete exists. Current-gen wireless technologies can easily deliver speeds exceeding 1 Gbps. Customers want it. What doesn’t exist, is a level playing field for accessing the capital needed to deploy that technology at scale and compete effectively.
When a regional provider exits, nothing replaces it. Towers get decommissioned. Spectrum sits idle. The local engineers who kept things running move on. For many rural communities, that’s not just a change of ISP. That’s the end of same-day in-person support, the end of price competition, and the end of any earth-based alternative when an offshore provider raises prices or changes terms. Rural communities know better than anyone what it means to have no options. This is how that happens again.
Why This Matters
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite is an exciting technology. It serves many customers well, particularly in genuinely remote locations where terrestrial infrastructure will never be economic. But a telecommunications market served exclusively by foreign satellite providers carries risks that don’t exist when there’s domestic terrestrial competition.
Local networks provide infrastructure resilience during emergencies. They provide local employment. They provide regulatory leverage. When copper (the traditional ‘fall-back’) is being actively withdrawn based on the official assumption that satellite and fixed wireless offer sufficient competition, it matters whether the “fixed wireless” part of that equation still exists in five years.
Just because revolutionary new technology has arrived doesn’t mean all the old problems disappear. In fact, it creates new ones. If domestic providers continue to exit because they can’t access capital, while foreign providers price aggressively to capture market share, rural New Zealand risks becoming entirely dependent on offshore satellite companies with no local presence and limited regulatory and legal accountability.
ISPANZ, the Internet Service Providers Association, sent a follow-up letter to the committee after my submission, specifically endorsing my concerns about capital access and infrastructure resilience. They encouraged the committee to find a way to give effect to my recommendations. This matters because it’s not just one operator complaining – it’s an industry-wide structural problem.
![Letter regarding telecommunications amendment bill]()
ISPANZ’s follow-up letter to the committee, endorsing WombatNET’s submission and encouraging action on capital access and infrastructure resilience.
The Bigger Picture
I’m not opposed to competition. Competition plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and creating exciting new opportunities. What I am opposed to, rather, is a policy environment where peaches warrant Government investigations and national news coverage, but an entire domestic industry that provides critical infrastructure to rural communities can collapse in silence while offshore competitors price markedly below their home-market rates, and nobody thinks that’s worth examining.
Rural connectivity isn’t a technical problem anymore. It’s a policy problem. And if we don’t address it, the communities that were left abandoned by big telcos seven years ago will find themselves in the same position again, except this time there won’t be a domestic operator left to fill that gap. Will we risk our rural futures on orbiting strangers?
You can watch my full oral parliamentary select committee submission below.
Whether this leads to any policy change remains to be seen. But it’s on the record now, and that’s where change has to start.
You can also read my full written submission here.
Want to discuss connectivity challenges or policy issues affecting rural New Zealand? Connect with me on LinkedIn.
Industry Analysis
The end of copper? What the Commerce Commission’s decision means for rural New Zealand
The Commerce Commission has recommended deregulating rural copper services, giving Chorus the ability to retire copper lines well before 2030. While copper is old technology, around 70,000 New Zealanders still rely on it as a lifeline, particularly in places with no mobile coverage or reliable power. Our latest blog looks at what this decision means, the risks for vulnerable communities, and why careful planning is essential to ensure no one is left behind.
The Commerce Commission has formally recommended to the Minister that rural copper services should be deregulated. If this is accepted, Chorus will be able to begin winding down the copper network in rural areas, possibly sooner than the previously signalled 2030 date.
On the surface, this feels like a natural progression. Copper lines are old, expensive to maintain, and fewer households rely on them each year. But for around 70,000 New Zealanders still using copper, the story is not so simple.
A network built on public service
When the Post Office laid down copper lines, it was to connect every community in the country, not just those where it was profitable to do so. The copper landline became a constant presence – often the one piece of infrastructure that could be relied upon during storms or outages. For decades, people in remote places knew that even if the power went out, a corded landline could still make the call that mattered.
The Commission’s view
The Commission argues that rural consumers now have alternatives. Fixed wireless, mobile, and satellite options have expanded rapidly, and in many areas these do outperform copper. Submissions to the preceding inquiry showed that many households are already leaving copper behind. Deregulation, in the Commission’s view, simply reflects that competition now exists and regulation is no longer necessary to protect consumers.
The risks that remain
But submissions also revealed a different side. Some households are in pockets with no reliable mobile coverage, no fibre build, and where satellite is unaffordable or impractical. For these people, copper is still the only way to connect. The Commission acknowledged these concerns, noting that a managed withdrawal process and targeted support will be essential.
This matters because the reality is not just about performance or cost. It is about resilience. If a storm takes down power and cell towers, what happens to the household that no longer has a working landline? What is their path to calling emergency services? These questions were raised by community groups and individuals who worry they could be left isolated if copper disappears without a replacement that works for them.
Where to from here
Chorus has said it will manage the transition carefully. The Commission has recommended protections similar to those applied to the withdrawal of copper in urban areas, and raised the prospect of government support for vulnerable consumers through existing obligations and levies. What that support looks like in practice is not yet defined.
For providers like us at WombatNET, there is no commercial advantage in defending copper. In fact, many new customers in our intake join after simply giving up on it. But we know from listening to those customers that the withdrawal of copper is not just a technical or financial exercise. It is also about safety, equity, and dignity.
As the Minister considers this recommendation, the country needs to start a conversation about how we help the remaining copper users make the transition. This will mean recognising that not all alternatives are equal, that some people need additional support, and that connectivity is more than a consumer choice – it is essential infrastructure.
The copper era is ending, but the promise that every New Zealander should have a way to connect must remain. The challenge now is to carry that promise forward.
— Your team at WombatNET
Media
A Warship, Radar, and Why Your Wi-Fi May Have Glitched This Week
How an Australian Warship Interrupted Your Wi-Fi Over the last couple of days, we’ve been tracking a bit of a mystery on our network. Early Wednesday morning, multiple WombatNET internet towers across the Wellington region – even those tucked deep in the Hutt Valley – suddenly started dropping connections. At first, we thought the severe […]
How an Australian Warship Interrupted Your Wi-Fi
Over the last couple of days, we’ve been tracking a bit of a mystery on our network. Early Wednesday morning, multiple WombatNET internet towers across the Wellington region – even those tucked deep in the Hutt Valley – suddenly started dropping connections.
At first, we thought the severe weather was to blame. Heavy rain can occasionally bounce wireless signals around, causing brief hiccups in our network. But this time, the scale and timing pointed to something much bigger.
The Surprising Culprit It turns out we weren’t alone. Internet providers across the country – including Primo in Taranaki, Inspire Net in the Manawatū, and TPNet in Nelson – all reported sudden, widespread interference starting around 2:00 AM.
The common denominator? A massive radar sweep from the Australian Navy warship HMAS Canberra, which was sailing down the west coast of New Zealand.
How does a ship knock out the internet? To understand why a warship affected your home connection, it helps to know how our wireless signals work. Most modern wireless internet networks in New Zealand share the exact same radio airwaves (the 5 GHz band) as important radar systems used by aircraft, weather stations, and the military.
To avoid messing with these critical services, our tower equipment (and your home Wi-Fi router) has a built-in safety feature. If an internet tower detects a radar signal, it is legally required to automatically shut down its current frequency and switch channels so the radar can pass clearly.
When the HMAS Canberra’s incredibly powerful radar swept across New Zealand, it triggered this safety feature on a massive scale. Our towers scrambled to find clear, safe channels, causing temporary internet dropouts as the network reorganised itself.
The Fix and Looking Ahead This level of interference is rare – we haven’t seen anything on this scale in years. The fact that the ship’s radar reached all the way into sheltered areas like Upper Hutt shows just how powerful military radar can be.
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Is it fixed? Yes. If you noticed short internet dropouts or slower speeds early Wednesday morning, this was the reason. Our team has thoroughly checked our network and locked in clean frequencies, so everything is running smoothly again.
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How do we prevent this? Bizarre events like this highlight a bigger issue: internet providers need access to more radio frequencies. We are currently advocating for the government to open up the newer 6 GHz band. This would give New Zealand regional broadband operators dedicated airwaves that we don’t have to share with military warships or weather radars, preventing incidents like this in the future.
As always, if you’re having ongoing connection issues or something still seems off, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
(And if you actually do want to nerd out about frequency tuning, wireless spectrums, and radar ducting – we’re always keen to talk!)
Case Studies
Case Study: Delivering High-Speed Trackside Connectivity at Taupō International Motorsport Park
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, or stream live events. WombatNET recently had the opportunity to overcome these exact challenges at the Taupō International Motorsport Park. […]
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, or stream live events.
WombatNET recently had the opportunity to overcome these exact challenges at the Taupō International Motorsport Park. Partnering with Team RWorksNZ during the NZIGP weekend, we deployed a portable connectivity solution that completely bypassed the typical trackside Wi-Fi bottlenecks, despite a heavy crowd of up to 1,000 attendees congesting the local networks.
![A WombatNET 4G+ Temporary Wi-Fi Receiver attached to a tent with a black cover]()
The Challenge: Network Congestion and Limited Bandwidth
Public Wi-Fi at motorsport events often crumbles under heavy load. During major national events, hundreds of devices compete for limited bandwidth in a highly localised area. Because the existing infrastructure usually can’t handle the spike in traffic, event organisers are frequently forced to withhold network access entirely.
Team RWorksNZ needed a reliable way to access race documentation, maintain real-time communications, and stream video – none of which was possible on the overloaded public infrastructure.
The WombatNET Solution: Rapid, High-Speed Deployment
To solve this, we provided a powerful, localised network tailored specifically to the team’s pit area. Using minimal equipment – a compact Nokia FastMile 4G+ modem paired with a Wi-Fi 6 Access Point (AP) – we established a dedicated connection.
Instead of relying on the struggling track network, we pulled a high-performing 4G+ connection from a One NZ tower located approximately five kilometres away.
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Rapid Setup: The deployment was incredibly straightforward. By simply pointing the antenna, powering up the unit, and connecting the devices, the network was fully operational in under an hour.
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High Performance: Despite the distant tower servicing hundreds of other event-goers, our temporary solution consistently delivered speeds exceeding 200 Mbps.
![Screenshot of a internet speedtest while connected to WombatNET's Temporary Event Wi-Fi Solution. Speeds are 201 Mbps Download and 28.2 Mbps Upload]()
The Results: Uninterrupted Trackside Operations
Throughout the high-stakes race weekend, Team RWorksNZ experienced zero network downtime. The connection provided more than enough bandwidth to instantly access critical race data, communicate with crew members in real time, and successfully live-stream the on-track action. At the end of a busy day, the robust connection even provided ample bandwidth for the team to unwind and stream entertainment – a luxury rarely achievable without difficulty while in a trackside pit lane at NZ’s often remote race tracks.
![a lineup of Honda Cup cars parked in a asphalt pit area with tents and Honda banners setup overhead]()
Why Choose WombatNET for Event Wi-Fi?
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Rapid deployment: Fully operational within an hour.
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Compact and portable: Minimal equipment with low power requirements.
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Reliable connectivity: High-speed connections that bypass local network congestion.
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Highly flexible: The ideal solution for short-term events, remote locations, and temporary setups.
Ready to bring robust internet to your next event? > Whether it’s motorsport, music festivals, or community-led gatherings, we have the tools to keep your operations connected.
Contact us today for more information or to discuss your connectivity requirements.
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Protect Your Internet with WombatNET Insurance
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 Equipment Insurance Plans, designed to protect your connection and keep you online with minimal hassle. Why Choose WombatNET Equipment […]
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 Equipment Insurance Plans, designed to protect your connection and keep you online with minimal hassle.
Who can sign up? Equipment Insurance is available to all active WombatNET customers with no overdue balance. You can add it to your plan at any time by opening a ticket in the client portal or calling 0800 424 281.
Why Choose WombatNET Equipment Insurance?
Replacing or repairing internet equipment can be costly. With our Equipment Insurance, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your modem, dish, and cables are covered against unexpected damage — without the stress of unexpected out-of-pocket repair bills.
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.
Recommended for: Customers in rural or high-risk areas, households with multiple devices, or anyone who relies heavily on a stable connection for work, study, or streaming.
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
Please read the following terms carefully before signing up.
- 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.
Important: Equipment Insurance does not cover theft, intentional damage, or issues caused by third-party interference. If you’re unsure whether an incident qualifies, contact us before submitting a claim.
For the full interactive experience, please enable JavaScript. Call us on 0800 424 281 or visit wombatnet.co.nz.
