Faster broadband just the medicine for rural general practice

The New Zealand Rural General Practice Network welcomes today’s announcement by Government to give almost all New Zealanders, regardless of where they live or work, access to broadband at peak speeds of at least 50 Mbps by 2025.

The Government is saying that by 2025, 99 per cent of New Zealanders should able to access broadband at peak speeds of at least 50 Mbps (up from 5 Mbps under RBI) and the remaining 1 per cent able to access to 10 Mbps (up from dial up or non-existent speeds).

“The worst case scenario given of 1 percent far exceeds our expectation, which we would have put at 10 percent and we are over the moon about the prospect,” says Network chief executive Dalton Kelly.

The announcement made today by Communications Minister Amy Adams recognises the ever-increasing demand for high-speed broadband across New Zealand, and its importance to regional growth.

Mr Kelly says enhanced access to fast and reliable broadband in rural New Zealand will be hugely welcomed by rural medical practices, business, communities and individuals alike, especially those who do not have the luxury of the peak speeds offered at the moment.

“Rural New Zealand is and will remain the backbone of the New Zealand economy. The farming, agriculture and horticulture sectors along with the tourist sector are vital to this country’s economic and social wellbeing.

“Good broadband is something that people in urban areas expect and rural communities and the people working within them are no different. Whether it’s the rural medical centre, farm, business or school, rural people expect to be connected to the rest of New Zealand and indeed the world in this day and age.”
For more information contact Dalton Kelly, telephone 027 231 0067.

ENDS

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