NEWS: Broadband plan to get NZ up to speed

5 Comments
15 September 2008
NEWS: Broadband plan to get NZ up to speed

National's latest billboard highlights the party's commitment to rolling out an ultra-fast broadband network, says National Party Leader John Key.

"A National Government will invest up to $1.5 billion to drive the roll-out of a 'fibre to the home' ultra-fast broadband network.

"I am focused on the issues that matter this election. Enhancing our economic performance is one of the vital issues that New Zealand must address.

"Delivering a future-proof broadband network to New Zealanders to enhance our economic performance is one way to help deliver on the economic step change we are seeking.

"National's medium to long-term vision is for a fibre connection to almost every home, supported by satellite and mobile solutions where it makes sense.

"Our initial aim is to ensure the accelerated roll-out of fibre right to the home of 75% of New Zealanders. In the first six years, priority will be given to business premises, schools, health facilities, and the first tranche of homes.

"National will also take additional steps to accelerate high-speed broadband roll-out to rural and remote areas, with the first step being doubling the Broadband Challenge Fund to $48 million and refocusing it on rural and remote areas.

"A National Government will work with the telecommunications industry to achieve these goals.

"Fibre will deliver big economic benefits for New Zealand – enhanced productivity, improved global connectivity, and enhanced capacity for innovation.

"Independent experts have estimated those benefits will be worth between $2.7 billion and $4.4 billion a year.

"New Zealand has fallen behind its global competitors when it comes to broadband. National is committed to investing in ultra-fast broadband."

Billboard: http://www.national.org.nz/dynimages/BILLBOARD/ultra-fast-broadband.jpg

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#1 - Andrew Atkin said:
2008-09-16 11:59 - (Reply)

There is also the lifestyle value of broadband, such as distance learning, video-on-demand and video conferencing. These advantages go a lot further that what's respected in terms of company profits i.e. extra "productive" reasons to keep people in NZ. I have been suprised at how some people have had contempt for your broadband investment. Once the developmental reaction to broadband really kicks in, illuminating its real value, we will see that it would be insane not to have invested in it. The cost of not doing so would otherwise surely prove to be horrific in the long-term. Another more "futuristic" thing to keep in mind is the inevitable (I believe) development of a "physical internet". We are very nearly at the point, technologically, of being able to produce electric "micro-cars" for small convenience freight that can drive themselves (about the size of a shopping trolly). Being so small, and not carrying passengers, there would be few critical safety issues with this, so it should be deployed somewhere/sometime soon. Full-automation micro-cars could and should vastly impact civil operations generally, because the economics is so good, and reinforce the value of the information internet (as we know it) generally. I think this is something to keep in mind, because it really is inevitable (not hard to do, nor inherently expensive), and it won't be far away from deployment. It's [now] too easy to do.

#2 - Jono said:
2008-10-10 15:34 - (Reply)

about time. when will labour get its [edited - Admin] and start doing stuff FOR NEW ZEALAND. this is going to help not only business in NZ but the home users . i cant wait till i can go home to a 100 Mbs connection. but think the people who will befit the most will be the schools of NZ. if National makes a open fiber network so all ISP have access to it for a low cost it will change the world !

#3 - Frank 2008-10-11 08:06 - (Reply)

good luck trying to get telcos to cough up money to get broadband to areas with only few (potential) customers! We live only 5km away from a large SI town and cannot get any form of broadband and are not likely to any time soon. Crossing my fingers in anticipation.

#4 - Brett Thomson 2008-10-14 11:42 - (Reply)

Sounds all good... as long as the goal is not a narrow as "we must be in the top 1/3 of the OECD". The goal must be to deliver better delivery services for most New Zealanders, encourage innovation and market competition for end user services... do this and climbing the OECD ladder will be a natural outcome...

#5 - Marlene Perry 2008-11-09 23:44 - (Reply)

Recently i spearheaded a Whole of Waikato - Regional Broadband to the last mile! campaign for the Waikato Waider region: We held 5 sessions at Wintec Hamilton, and submitted a letter of intent, as we didn't have enough time / money/ information to do an expression of interest. Supported by VOCO and Kordia, and Waikato Enterprise Agency. I brought together all district councils and ew from Franklin to Taupo and Thames/Coromandel to South Waikato (13 in all). the group instigated an Entity and a Governance group has been formed. I am very interested in working with whomever to fast-track regional rural broadband - the labour system was too slow and cumbersome when our businesses need bb NOW. also the consultants want mega money for applications.... which we are finding difficult to raise ..... we conducted a survey and also a presentation on 'last milers' by DOL - those who live in the last mile, i.e. forestry fishing, tourism, farming, rural schools... My base is Wintec @ Te Kuiti and Otorohanga Trade Training Centre - key movers and shakers in my area Dale Williams Mayor of Otorohanga and Andrew Giltrap Giltraps farm machinery. hopefully this notice will lead us onto the correct channels to make bb happen for the wider waikato sooner i.e. 2009 not 2010 and beyond.. cheers, Marlene

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