28 August 2006

Manukau leading way on super-fast broadband

New Zealand’s largest planned town is now home to the latest in high-speed internet technology - fibre optic broadband.

New ‘fibre to the home’ technology is being trialled in Flat Bush, Manukau and offers new residents to the area the opportunity to have access to internet at speeds faster than anywhere else in New Zealand.

The Telecom Next Generation Broadband fibre service trial means that customers will have internet at peak speeds of up to 30MB per second – nearly 10 times faster than standard broadband currently available.

New houses in the Mission Heights subdivision, one of the first parts of Flat Bush to be developed, are being wired specifically for fibre optic broadband, meaning the technology allowing fast internet access is already there when people move in.

Mayor of Manukau Sir Barry Curtis says that the trial in Flat Bush confirms that Manukau is leading the way when it comes to providing businesses and residents with state-of-the-art internet technology.

“We are the first city in New Zealand to set the target of ensuring every household and business has access to broadband services. This pilot proves that by working with developers from the outset we can make accessing the internet simple and easy.

“High-speed internet and new technology is vital if Flat Bush is going to be the unique and exciting town we want it to be and if Manukau is going to be positioned as internationally competitive city. We are absolutely committed to bringing fast and affordable internet access across the city.

“I hope to see the latest in broadband infrastructure rolled out in other developments in Manukau, allowing our residents and businesses to prosper, and our economy to continue to strengthen.”

Telecom Chief Operating Officer Consumer Kevin Kenrick says that Flat Bush was chosen because of the timing of development, and because the area is largely greenfields, so there would be less infrastructure disruption.
“We also chose Manukau city because of the council’s commitment to develop their city as technologically savvy.

“This is a really exciting time. Up until now the focus has been on learning what’s involved with deploying fibre, but we are now ready to offer it to our customers.”

Approximately 450 homes in Mission Heights will be part of the year long ‘fibre to the home’ pilot.

Ends

About Flat Bush

Covering 1700 hectares, and with 15,000 residential homes, Flat Bush is New Zealand’s largest planned development. By 2020 Flat Bush will be home to more then 40,000 people.

The development will include a new town centre with retail, office and community facilities, a 94 hectare park catering for a range of sporting and recreation needs, a range of housing options, up to seven new schools including a new secondary school, cycle and pedestrian friendly streets, and access to public transport services. At least one quarter of the area will remain as green open space.

Manukau City Council is guiding the overall design and development of Flat Bush to ensure that people, places and the environment are given as much emphasis as the economic considerations that drive private development.

For more information visit www.manukau.govt.nz/flatbush

ENDS

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