TUANZ submits response to proposed UFB and RBI extensions

3 July 2014

TUANZ today submits response to proposed UFB and RBI extensions

TUANZ has today submitted a response to the Government on the proposed UFB2, RBI2 and Mobile Blackspots programme. Over many years TUANZ has consistently stated that that the availability of good quality high speed connectivity in all parts of New Zealand is a critical economic enabler for the future of the NZ economy.

“We have been providing leadership in the need for improved access for rural users since the first Rural Connectivity Symposium held in 2005 which made the Symposium held last month the 10th anniversary event.” said the CEO of TUANZ, Craig Young.

As part of this years symposium there were a number of general themes of concerns from rural users ranging from perceived lack of quality of connectivity, affordability issues through to a general lack of awareness of what services were currently available. “The overriding theme though was that there was no ‘one size fits all’ solution and that the Government should be mindful of regional solutions in this round.” said Mr Young. “And while it's outside the current RBI process, we think we as a nation need an ambitious vision that is couched in terms of outcomes and experience”

TUANZ is committing to continuing to lead in pursuing this ambitious vision:

New Zealand should have the vision of meeting the aspiration that the rural connectivity experience is the same as the urban connectivity experience.

TUANZ believes this would provide truly transformative change. It would require political will and effort and education is key:
A. New Zealand needs to accept that connectivity is now seen as a right not a want
B. New Zealand should aim for equity of access across any perceived rural/urban divide
C. New Zealand should develop a long-term, cross party strategy for rural connectivity.

The document itself also includes a section on the criteria and priority that participants at the symposium suggested should be applied to and preferred solution under the current ROI process which are around the idea of being “fit for purpose”.

We have placed a copy of our reponse on our website here: http://tuanz.org.nz/representation/ .

ENDS

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