International studies show that the fibre network has a lower carbon footprint than other broadband options, primarily due to energy savings. This paper provides a first assessment of the emissions footprint of the current New Zealand fibre network, with a focus on internet provision to households and small to medium-sized businesses. Fibre (GPON and XGS-PON) is compared to Copper (VDSL), Hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) and 4G/5G fixed wireless (FWA 4G/5G).

The report was prepared by Corina Comendant and Kieran Murray on behalf of Chorus, Northpower Fibre Limited, Tuatahi First Fibre and Enable Networks Limited. November 2021