BYO Modem
How do I set up my BYO modem to work with Skinny Fixed Broadband?
Check your modem is compatible
Check your modem's user guide to make sure it will work with your Fibre, ADSL or VDSL connection. You would have received a user guide when you purchased your modem. If you don't still have that, trying searching for the user guide online.
Check that your modem meets the minimum specifications for the type of broadband you're connecting. Skinny can't guarantee your modem will work to the same standard as the one we'd usually give you.
FIBRE BROADBAND
To get the most out of Fibre, the WiFi specs should be 802.11 ac or above.
Check your modem is compatible with the speed of your plan. The average download speed of Fibre Max is 903Mbps and average upload speed is 517Mbps. These are based on Spark national peak time average speeds (MBNZ April 2024) (Yes, we piggyback on Spark's awesome broadband technology and save you money). You may experience a higher or lower speed than this.
Refer to the website of your modem's manufacturer for more info.
VDSL BROADBAND
Any VDSL modems need to align with Telepermit PTC274 certification.
For WiFi connectivity, we recommend your WiFi specs should be 802.11 ac or above.
Refer to the website of your modem's manufacturer for more info.
ADSL BROADBAND
Check your modem supports ADSL.
For WiFi connectivity, we recommend your WiFi specs should be 802.11 ac or above.
Refer to the website of your modem's manufacturer for more info.
How to set up a non-Skinny modem
How you'll update your modem settings will depend on the brand and type of modem you have. Use your modem's user guide to see how to change your modem settings.
The following steps apply for most modems:
1. Connect your modem to power and turn it on.
2. Find your modem's IP address. You can usually find it on the bottom of your modem, or in your modem's user guide. It's normally a number that starts with 192.XXX.X.X.
3. Open a browser and enter your modem's IP address and log in. Your user guide should also let you know what the username and password are. This will log you into an admin portal for your modem.
4. This is where you will update the settings, and you can set up your own customised password if you want.
5. Once you've logged in, you'll need to look at your modem's user guide to find the settings you need to update. It will tell you where to go in the portal to make the changes. Making the changes will involve overtyping the info in some fields.
Modem settings for each type of broadband
Log into your modem (see above for how) and change your settings to match the following for the type of broadband you have.
You may not need to fill out all these fields. You don't need a specific PPP username and password, but you won't be able to connect if either field is blank. The names of the setting may be different, depending on your modem.
FIBRE BROADBAND
PPP Protocol: PPPoE
VLAN Tagging: Off/Disabled/No
PPP Username: user@skinny.co.nz
PPP Password: password
IP Address: Obtain Automatically
DNS servers: Obtain Automatically
MTU: 1500
VDSL BROADBAND
VPI: 0
VCI: 110
Mode: PTM
PPP Protocol: PPPoE
Encapsulation: 802.1Q
VLAN ID: 10
PPP Username: user@skinny.co.nz
PPP Password: password
Service name: [Leave blank]
DNS servers: Obtain automatically
MTU: 1500
ADSL BROADBAND
VPI: 0
VCI: 100
Mode: ATM
Encapsulation: PPPoA, PPPoATM, or RFC 2364
PPP Username: user@skinny.co.nz
PPP Password: password
Service name: [Leave blank]
DNS servers: Obtain automatically
Still need help?
If you need further help setting up your non-Skinny modem, contact the modem's manufacturer or consult your modem's user guide.
How to set up a Skinny Wireless modem on Fibre Broadband
1. Remove the SIM card from your modem. You'll find this on the back of your modem.
2. Plug your modem into power near your Fibre box. The Fibre box is also known as an Optical Network Terminal (ONT). It will usually be found on your internal wall.
3. Turn on your modem and wait for the lights to come on.
4. Plug one end of the blue ethernet cable into the port labelled 'Fibre' on your modem.
5. Plug the other end of the blue ethernet cable into the port on the Fibre box labelled 'LAN1' or 'GE1'. If there's already something plugged in there, try LAN2 or GE2 instead.
6. The light next to the port name will come on. If it doesn't, try plugging the ethernet cable into the next port until the light comes on.
Why can I only BYO modem on certain plans?
Only Skinny provided modems can be used on our Wireless Broadband plans.
My BYO modem doesn't work, what can I do?
If you're on No pesky term, you can always purchase a Skinny modem from us for a one-off cost of $150 plus $10 postage and handling.
On a 12 month fixed term, you have two options. You can ask to be moved off our BYO Modem offer - we'll give you a Skinny modem free of charge, but you'll lose your $5 /month discount and there will be a shipping fee for the modem. Or you can pay the early termination fee of $99 and exit your contract.
Contact us to get things sorted.
Who do I contact for help with setting up my modem?
Bringing your own modem means Skinny can't provide you tech support for setting it up.
If you're having trouble updating your modem settings, first consult your modem's user guide. If you don't still have it, trying googling your modem to see if there's one online.
Otherwise, contact your modem supplier for assistance.
I already have a Skinny modem, can I use that?
It depends which Skinny modem you have.
These Skinny modems are compatible with Fibre Broadband:
- Skinny Flexi Modem
- Skinny Smart Modem
- Skinny Fixed-line HG659 Modem
These Skinny modems are compatible with ADSL and VDSL:
- Skinny Smart Modem
- Skinny Fixed-line HG659
If I'm moving from another provider or changing from another type of broadband, when do I change my modem settings?
You'll receive an email from Skinny to let you know when your connection is up and running. Once you get that email you'll be able to set up your modem.
Can I change my settings before I've been connected?
You'll need to wait until your broadband is connected before you set up your modem. We'll send you an email to confirm when everything is up and running.