Before I signed up for an internet service provider (ISP) I imagined their help centres as well-lit, large rooms with lots of windows and dozens of small cubicles, writes John Parker.

Intense competition in the Kiwi broadband market is proving a boon for consumers. This month, Telecom and Vodafone began offering unlimited data plans (at $109 a month), so users can download as much content as they like.

Wellington's small-and-medium-sized businesses have outpaced their counterparts in other centres in getting connected to ultra-fast broadband.

Ultra-fast broadband contract changes don't address the fundamental problems Chorus is facing from wholesale broadband price cuts, say analysts.

Popular plans cheaper than OECD average: regulator.

Telecom is expected to have attracted more mobile customers in the second half of last year.

'Dear John...' Deborah hill Cone writes a letter to Prime Minister John Key about her holiday in the Hokianga.

Vodafone has settled a case with the Commerce Commission and paid out almost $270,000 to 11,000 customers who signed up to a mobile broadband promotion.

The Financial Markets Authority says it will investigate the trading of shares in Chorus after receiving a complaint about unusual price movements on Friday.

Chorus could reduce its funding gap for the ultra-fast broadband project from $1 billion to $200 million.

An EY (Ernst & Young) report into Chorus has warned the payoff for changes to cover a funding shortfall include a drop in services and high connection prices.

Chorus could cut its funding shortfall for the ultra-fast broadband project from $1 billion to $200-250 million.

Prime Minister John Key says the timetable for the ultra-fast broadband rollout will not be changed, despite a report saying Chorus is not delivering on its contracts.

Govt not expecting to invest any more than the $1.35b already committed to UFB, despite an independent probe indicating the Chorus' leg of the project is at risk if changes aren't made.

Hurrah for democracy. Hurrah for independent regulators. And bloody good job by the parties who gave a collective "no" to National Party cronyism, writes Chris Barton.

New Zealanders may have to wait longer for cheaper internet after Chorus yesterday initiated court action to challenge the Commerce Commission's ruling.

Chorus shares fell to their lowest after minor political parties said they would not support the Government if it tried to override the Commerce Commission's recommendation to cut internet prices.

Internet provider Slingshot will undercut rivals on price when it offers customers ultra-fast broadband in the next fortnight as competition in the fibre market heats up.

Communications Minister Amy Adams has hired Ernst & Young Australia to investigate Chorus's financial position after the Commerce Commission ordered price cuts to the network operator's copper lines.

Chorus is trailing behind other ultra-fast broadband network builders in speed tests, says TrueNet.

Chorus shares have kept tumbling this morning, falling 10 per cent in early trading.

Internet company CallPlus has launched court action to stop a Government review that proposes to override the Commerce Commission and directly set broadband prices.

Telecommunications company Chorus's $95 million payout to investors is being questioned after the company's warning about its financial viability.