AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

2 August 2007

Brighter prospects for broadband access

Auckland City Council’s push for greater access to an urban fibre broadband network has led to a possible combined approach with Waitakere and Manukau city councils.

A proposed network in Auckland city, funded by the council, central government and private investors, is ready for Expressions of Interest. However, the outcome of current discussions with Manukau and Waitakere cities may well provide a more secure base for private investment decisions and reduce the risk of confusing and dividing the market, Auckland City Council’s Economic Development and Sustainable Business Committee has heard.

“There are some exciting, tangible prospects for the early introduction of broadband to more areas of the city,” said committee chairperson, Councillor Richard Northey.
“The council has recognised the heavy demand for improved broadband access and is keen to facilitate this for business and residential users throughout Auckland’s business districts and suburbs.”

There is also an opportunity to link Waitakere, Auckland and Manukau districts via existing rail corridor ducts which are due to be transferred from the Auckland Regional Transport Network Ltd (ARTNL) to Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA).

If these ducts have spare capacity and can effectively be accessed on a favourable basis, this would boost the network’s potential and make it more attractive to government and to private investors.

In the meantime, the committee approved a trial in micro-ducting (shallow trenching) as part of footpath upgrades planned in Mt Eden and Epsom in August and September. This would lay the foundation for a range of operators to deliver fibre services to homes.

Micro-ducting under the pavement during the Newmarket business centre footpath upgrade is also being considered.

Additionally, the possibility of laying fibre cabling to the ceiling of large stormwater and sewerage pipes via robot is being investigated.

Progress on introducing high-speed wireless broadband to Auckland city’s CBD and CBD fringe has included a Request for Information process which attracted enquiries from 200 organisations in New Zealand, Australia and other countries.

Responses are being evaluated for a shortlist and for negotiations that will enable the council to understand the level of direct financial and in-kind contributions it may have to make.

Councils around the world are developing public wireless access in partnership with broadband providers, often based on low-cost or no-cost access to points such as council buildings, bridges and light poles.

A business case will go to the September meeting of the committee.

ENDS

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