The National Party has announced a broadband policy that includes investments of up to $1.5 billion in a fibre network.
National Party Leader John Key today announced a National Government would make the investment to drive the roll-out of a “fibre to the home” fast broadband network in New Zealand. “This investment will help deliver the economic step change that New Zealand needs to significantly lift average incomes over time," said Key.
The National Party also wants to enhance broadband access and speeds for household and premises where fibre to the home is not immediately feasible, he said. Key said independent experts estimated the benefits would be worth between $2.7 billion and $4.4 billion per year.
The investment will be made alongside additional private sector investment and will be subject to a series of five principles, said Key. These include the network being open-access; ensuring the investment does not see already-planned investments cut back; ensuring increased broadband services; and making sure the investment does not end up lining the pockets of incumbent industry players.