NZRFG pitches complete rural broadband solution

Media release
1 June 2010

NZRFG pitches complete rural broadband solution

Members of the New Zealand Regional Fibre Group hope to deliver the Government’s Rural Broadband Initiative through a mix of fixed fibre, mobile and wireless technologies.

CEO Vaughan Baker believes connecting farmers to faster (fibre-based) internet speeds will drive greater efficiencies within, and beyond, the farm gate.

NZRFG members have today submitted coordinated RBI responses to MED, which Mr Baker says will exceed the coverage and broadband performance objectives required by the Government.

The group is planning extensive coverage in the 19 zones specified by the Government, ensuring fibre is delivered to at least 94% of rural schools – with potential to connect the entire country to fibre - should NZRFG members become Local Fibre Companies through the Government selection process.

Mr Baker maintains that the group is intent on delivering its earlier promise of a nationally co-ordinated, regionally focused fibre network build. Ten members already have fibre businesses.

“Our members are the leading providers of open access networks in New Zealand. Through electricity, gas and communications, we connect around 1.2 million NZ homes and businesses to the grid, so it makes sense to maximise our infrastructural experience,” says Mr Baker.

“Because so many of our members are already integrated in their respective communities with electricity lines networks, we understand the needs of the rural community and have those needs firmly in our sights. By reaching 94% of schools we are ensuring that 97% of the population will receive access to enhanced fibre-based broadband speeds,” says Mr Baker.

“The NZRFG recognises the importance of high-speed broadband products for our rural (and urban) communities which is why we see value in delivering a network via multiple technologies like fixed fibre, mobile and wireless solutions.”

Mr Baker says this will be achieved through collaborative partnerships between NZRFG members, national and local service providers and other stakeholders – many of whom have already pledged their support to the NZRFG.

“The NZRFG has long stated that national service provision and demand generation are critical to improving competition and driving productivity, so we have worked together to create what could quickly become a seamless wholesale only, national service environment.”

NZRFG spokesperson and General Manager of Hasting’s Unison Fibre, Nigel Purdy, says the RBI can deliver a sustainable leadership position for New Zealand’s rural sector.

“That will enhance international competitiveness for primary producers and the continued economic development of rural businesses, while also improving quality of life for rural residents,” says Purdy.

“I can clearly see the benefits for the agricultural and horticultural sectors in our region and I know the same applies to the rest of New Zealand. We are firmly focussed on fibre deployment into local centres of demand and key community assets – and spreading it through the rural landscape from there.”

Mr Purdy says NZRFG members have worked hard to devise a common open access product specification and national interconnection standards.

In developing plans to ensure national wholesale Layer 2 connectivity to retail service providers and other access seekers across rural and urban networks, Mr Purdy says members are leveraging the work already done for the UFB initiative.

“The NZRFG is also working actively with the wider industry through the Telecommunications Carriers’ Forum process and we will support the processes and specifications that emerge from that effort.”

ENDS

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