Communications minister Simon Bridges has revealed final details of the Government’s telecommunications reforms, expected to come into force from 2020, saying they will introduce a more predictable utility-style model for Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) fibre, deregulate copper lines where fibre is available, and improve the quality of service for consumers by increasing regulatory oversight.
Northpower has announced commencement of construction of the UFB network in Hikurangi, saying it will be completed in September this year and will pass more than 650 customers.
Ultrafast Fibre, which owns and operates the Ultrafast Broadband network in Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki, has chosen Dimension Data’s managed cloud facility in Hamilton to host all its data and applications.
A study from Motu Economic and Public Policy Research Trust, sponsored by Huawei, claims to have shown that fibre broadband services to schools boosts academic achievement by about one percentage point.
Spark New Zealand will form a fibre construction joint venture with Vocus Communications called Connect 8.