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Vector aims to extend fibre reach into rural regions
Vector CEO Simon Mackenzie .. fibre network could benefit 59,000 homes and businesses
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1 Jun 2010
Vector is looking to extend its fibre reach to connect education and health providers in rural Auckland.
Chief Executive Simon Mackenzie says the extension should ensure symmetrical speeds of 1 Gbit/s – to schools, comparable with that provided on the NEAL network on Auckland’s North Shore – and considerably higher than the 100Mbit/s minimum required by the Government under its Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI).
Vector earlier this week outlined its proposal for a four year rural rollout of fibre in its expression of interest (EOI) for the Government’s $300 million RBI.
The areas identified in the EOI include rural west Auckland and Rodney, along with south eastern Auckland. These areas are within Vector’s electricity lines network, providing easy access to well established infrastructure ensuring fast and efficient fibre deployment.
Mr Mackenzie says this rural fibre network could also in the future provide a platform for other broadband solutions that may benefit rural businesses and residential customers.
“While the fibre extension is specifically targeting schools and health facilities, it could also eventually improve broadband access to rural customers by supporting and extending the range of fixed, wireless and cellular technologies.”
Vector estimates more than 42,000 rural households and 17,500 rural businesses in the region could benefit from a fibre network, allowing many people to work from home and help decrease Auckland’s heavy traffic congestion.
“We have identified the agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture and viticulture sectors, along with the tourism, creative and service industries as potential users of high speed broadband in rural Auckland,” says Mr Mackenzie.
“There are over 4500 people employed in the agriculture sector of rural Auckland and this is 6% of New Zealand’s total agricultural employment. Agriculture alone generates $4.3bn revenue annually in the region, so we, like the other 18 members of the New Zealand Regional Fibre Group, realise the importance of the sector.”
Mr Mackenzie is adamant fibre is key to realising New Zealand’s future potential - socially and economically.
“New Zealanders deserve the chance to be part of a major step change in productivity, innovation and connectivity with the rest of the world, which only fibre will bring. The government has been explicit in its view on this and we agree 100%.”
Rural Auckland is a thriving region which is home to many vibrant and diverse communities. Fibre networks will reduce the tyranny of distance for these communities as they become more connected with each other and the rest of the world, says Mr Mackenzie. In addition, an array of rural municipal and rural community sites will also benefit.
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