Updated 14/1: Skinny Mobile, the low-cost brand of New Zealand’s Spark, launched a prepaid wireless broadband service in select urban centres with 4G coverage.

The Skinny 4G Broadband service, which runs on Spark’s 4G network, gives customers 60GB of data for NZD55 ($36.60) a month. The company said the average household uses about 45GB a month, so 60GB is enough for most people.

Skinny Mobile GM Ross Parker said it offers New Zealand’s lowest broadband prices, without the lengthy wait to set up the typical broadband service. “You simply plug in your modem and you’re ready to go – you can set up in under five minutes.”

After being rated number one in prepay value and in customer satisfaction, he said it is “translating that winning formula into our broadband service. We’re committed to being the best value player in the broadband market and offering the same super low prices and great service that Skinny is known for”.

Skinny is offering the first month for free for a limited time, but customers need to purchase a modem for NZD199. It offers 10GB top-ups for NZD20.

Skinny Broadband is offered without a landline and customers can sign up online. The company said an online address checker is available on its website so customers can check whether the service is available at their home.