The penetration of broadband services in rural areas of New Zealand has risen significantly in the past four years, according to the third World Internet Project New Zealand (WIPNZ) survey.
The biannual report shows 84 percent of rural New Zealanders who have an internet connection in their homes (which is 85 percent) are on broadband, rising from the 47 percent reported in the first survey conducted in 2007. (Please note: When story was originally published, the figure written was 84 percent. This has since been corrected.)
The report says only one in 20 users in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch remain on dial-up, with broadband rates increasing to from 76 percent in 2007 to 95 percent.
While broadband connectivity might favour city centres, the report shows that rural New Zealanders are as likely to use the internet as their city counterparts, and more likely than people in towns.
The survey of 1255 New Zealanders was conducted by AUT University in July and August of this year, with funding from the National Library of New Zealand and Internet NZ.
It also covers internet usage by region, sex, income, and the social networking habits of New Zealanders.