NEW TECHNOLOGY EXTENDS JETSTREAM COVERAGE AROUND WHITIANGA
New technology has enabled Telecom to respond quickly to fulfil residential and business demand for fast Internet
services at Matarangi Beach near Whitianga.
Telecom has scheduled a September upgrade of the Matarangi Beach network after five businesses and nine residential
customers registered an interest in its fast Internet service, JetStream.
The technology, known as mini DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplex), can be housed in Telecom’s roadside
cabinets and extends the reach of fast Internet beyond the customary five to seven kilometre radius from exchanges.
JetStream has download speeds up to 50 times faster than a standard dial-up connection so surfing web pages for research
or downloading software and large files is much more efficient.
Telecom Manager for Rural Investment Stuart Smith says the mini DSLAMs allowed Telecom to react quickly to the demand
for JetStream at Matarangi.
“We take the telecommunications needs of our rural customers very seriously, and we’re pleased to be able to support
business and growth in the Whitianga area..
“Extending fast Internet services in rural New Zealand is a major priority for Telecom. Our plans are to provide
coverage to about 95 per cent of New Zealanders by June next year, which will mean a substantial investment in the rural
network.
“The new technology makes JetStream upgrades to the network more viable for smaller groups of customers, so is now an
important part of our plans for rural areas.”
Telecom has an agressive nationwide JetStream coverage programme in place, he says.
Residents and businesses can register their interest in JetStream online at http://www.telecom.co.nz/jslinecheck. To do
this, customers should query the availability of JetStream in their area; if it is unavailable, they will be asked to
register their interest in the service..
ENDS