Copper on Steroids

New Zealand's broadband users will soon have access to VDSL2, touted as the most advanced DSL technology in the world.

Four times faster than ADSL2+ and 12 times quicker than ADSL, it offers unprecedented speeds on existing copper lines, making interactive gaming and high-definition television possible. 

Telecom Wholesale expects to have a commercial VDSL2 product available in New Zealand's capital cities by September. Once installed in exchanges and roadside cabinets, it will deliver significant speed improvements to customers on copper lines less than 1.5 km from an exchange or cabinet.

With average download speeds of 42 megabits per second and upload speeds of 16 megabits per second, VDSL2 allows operators to provide customers with broadband services such as IPTV.

VDSL2 is a progression of ADSL2+, but it is much more dependent on distance, with speeds comparable to ADSL2+ after 1.5 km. This means that only those that are close to their local exchanges will be able to see improvement.

The new technology is also expected to be price restrictive. While the price at the top end of ADSL2+ wholesale service is regulated by the Commerce Commission, Telecom Wholesale will charge a premium for VDSL2.

Speedy comparisons

ADSL: Typical speeds of less than 5megabits per second (Mbps) up to 2.5km from an exchange. Watch video clips, steam music and podcasts, have VoIP conversations.
ADSL2+: speeds of 8 to 15MBps up to 1.5 km from an exchange. Stream high-definition video, watch DVD quality movies, high quality video conferencing.
VDSL2: 50Mbps up to 1km from an exchange. Stream multiple high-definition broadcasts, interactive gaming.