InternetNZ releases RFP for Broadband Strategy research
Media Release 30 June 2008
InternetNZ (the Internet Society of New Zealand Inc) has today released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a scene-setting
consulting report to assess broadband strategy options for New Zealand. The RFP document is attached, or can be accessed
at www.internetnz.net.nz.
InternetNZ Executive Director Keith Davidson says announcements from political parties have spurred considerable public
debate about how best to achieve a much higher level of broadband penetration for business and consumers, both urban and
rural.
“The announcements offer differing visions and raise significant questions as to the best path forward to achieve
widespread broadband penetration,” he says.
“With this RFP InternetNZ is taking a leadership role in researching and analysing the proposals and other current
thinking both locally and internationally. We aim to inform the public debate and provide a base of pragmatic advice
about the best way to proceed, given the high public interest in securing a successful outcome.”
“This is not a call for just another consulting report: we want concrete advice on how to roll out these services in the
most cost effective manner,” says Davidson.
Background In April 2008, The New Zealand Institute released a discussion document (Delivering on the Broadband
Aspiration: A Recommended Pathway to Fibre in New Zealand) containing a considered and costed roadmap as the first part
of a proposed project for New Zealand to “develop a fast path to fibre to capture the economic benefits”.
National Party leader John Key’s Leader’s Speech (Achieving a Step Change: Better Broadband for New Zealand) of 22nd
April 2008 flagged a political intention to invest “up to $1.5 billion of Crown capital over six years to accelerate the
roll-out of a fibre-to-the-home network for New Zealand”.
The Labour-led Government’s Broadband Investment Fund was released as part of the budget on 22 May 2008, pledging $325m
of operating spending to support rollout of broadband Internet infrastructure on a contestable, technology-neutral
basis. The Fund includes $75m specifically set aside for rural broadband issues.
It is anticipated that other parties will make announcements prior to the General Election. Regardless of what political
parties announce as policy, an independent assessment of the best way forward will be a valuable input to the debate.
The RFP The RFP being released today closes on Friday 18 July 2008 at 4pm. The objective is to select an individual or
organisation to research and analyse options that have been raised along with other approaches that have been utilised
internationally.
There will be a two-stage process with Stage One including a discovery process and literature review leading to
recommendations as to what will be achievable. Stage Two will result in the final report. InternetNZ is looking for a
“strawman” model with costings, possible investment approaches and the identification of any further work required.
ENDS