Communications Minister Amy Adams has given the thumbs up to Blenheim’s Ultra-Fast Broadband progress, following the completion of the Government’s internet service last week.
As reported by Computerworld New Zealand, Chorus finished building its Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) network in Blenheim on March 20, becoming the third town in New Zealand to have its fibre network completed under the telco’s UFB programme.
“Around 12,500 homes, schools, businesses and health facilities can now access fast and efficient internet,” Adams says.
“The uptake in Blenheim has been one of the highest in the country with over 14 per cent of residents already signed up for UFB.”
Adams says having access to fast and reliable broadband was critical to the future well-being of regional towns like Blenheim.
“Businesses with a high internet use have double the growth, exports and job creation rates compared to companies with a low web presence,” Adams adds.
According to Adams, the Government is committed to improving regional infrastructure and has invested more than $12.5 million to deliver UFB to Blenheim.
Across New Zealand, eight towns are now fully fibred: Whangarei, Te Awamutu, Oamaru, Cambridge, Tokoroa, Hawera, Ashburton and now Blenheim.
“Stage one of the UFB is well on target and extra funding of up to $210 million is planned so that the overall reach of UFB will lift from 75 percent to 80 percent of all New Zealanders,” Adams adds.
“We are also investing $100 million to expand the Rural Broadband programme, and $50 million to improve mobile coverage in black spot areas along main highways and in popular tourist destinations.”