Ultra-Fast Broadband Deployment Gets Underway In Hamlton

Ultra-Fast Broadband Deployment Gets Underway In Hamlton

14 July 2011

Ultrafast broadband is being rolled out in Hamilton, with the official launch of the build in the northern suburb of Te Rapa today.

Local steel components fabricator, Stainless Design, is the beneficiary of the first deployment. Underground fibre optic cable is being run past its premise today and will be connected in a few months time when electronics are added and the fibre is lit.

The deployment is part of the Government’s commitment to invest NZ$1.3 billion to deliver ultra-fast broadband to the door of 75 per cent of the population by the end of 2019.

“This is a significant milestone for the local fibre company: the WEL Networks subsidiary, in partnership with Crown Fibre Holdings, said the Chairman of Ultrafast Broadband Limited, Rodger Fisher.

The build is expected to take five years, with a value estimated to be in excess of $300m. As well as Hamilton, the rollout also covers Wanganui and Tauranga. Work will get underway there in the coming weeks. This will be followed by deployment in Cambridge, Te Awamutu, New Plymouth, Hawera and Tokoroa from 2012.

Key to the successful deployment is Transfield Services, which was appointed earlier in the month to be the contractor for the six towns and cities we cover, said Mr Fisher. We also look forward to working with local Councils which have provided significant help and support for our projects.

Under the UFB initiative, fibre will be delivered to priority users such as businesses, schools, health premises and certain tranches of residential premises by the end of 2013. Once the infrastructure is completed, home owners and businesses will be advised and can contact a retailer to get connected.

To register interest in receiving UFB or for more information on the deployment progress in each of the candidate areas go to www.ultrafastbroadband.co.nz.

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