New rules will force telcos to speak plainly and show full costs on plans.

The Commerce Commission wants broadband and mobile offers to be easy to compare, which matters for Hibiscus Coast households watching every dollar.

Providers must follow new product disclosure guidelines on price and fees.

They must show a monthly average price when it differs from the headline price and provide standard offer summaries so plans can be compared side by side.

Early termination fees must be clear up front and reduce over the contract.

Customers should be able to see what they still owe at any time.

Why this matters

Many Kiwis struggle to know their true monthly cost.

Some plans bill every 28 days, which means 13 bills a year.

Others start cheap, then jump later, costing more over 12 months than a steady-price plan.

The guidelines aim to remove those surprises.

NZ Compare says they’re pleased. On Broadband Compare, rankings already weigh more than teaser prices, including set-up fees, router costs, post and packaging fees, customer reviews, and more.

Clear, consistent info should help Coasties pick a plan that fits the budget with fewer headaches.

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