Ultra Fast Broadband coverage expanding
During the election campaign I was thrilled when National announced plans to extend the Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) initiative from a target of 75 per cent of New Zealanders to 80 per cent.
What this means is that our local towns of Foxton and Otaki are now strong contenders to be included in the next phase of UFB roll-out, which is great news.
The timing will depend on a competitive bid process, which will take into account the cost of deployment, strength of local demand, and support from local authorities.
I will be working closely with both our Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua District Councils so that we prepare strong bids.
The UFB programme involves laying thousands of kilometres of fibre optic cable and ducting. Already there is good progress happening locally. You will have noticed new and upgraded cabinets around the neighbourhood, many of which have beautiful artwork.
In the Levin area, well over 1000 premises have been connected and in Kapiti the number is nearly 3,500. Schools, Libraries and Health Centres have also been a priority.
The impact of UFB for our community is huge, with schools and businesses benefitting from being better connected here in New Zealand and around the globe.
As I visit schools and watch kids engage with technology it confirms to me this UFB rollout is critically important for future connectivity and learning.
The Government has also announced plans to boost the Rural Broadband Initiative by $150 million which will help connect the more rural parts of our electorate. This year I celebrated the 1000th customer to join this initiative just outside of Levin. The Government understands that bringing high speed internet to rural areas is critical for the country’s economic future.
Along with Transmission Gully and the Kapiti Expressway, these improved connections will encourage more people and businesses to base themselves here.
In the modern world, fast and reliable access to the internet isn’t a luxury it’s a necessity.
The timing will depend on a competitive bid process, which will take into account the cost of deployment, strength of local demand, and support from local authorities.
I will be working closely with both our Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua District Councils so that we prepare strong bids.
The UFB programme involves laying thousands of kilometres of fibre optic cable and ducting. Already there is good progress happening locally. You will have noticed new and upgraded cabinets around the neighbourhood, many of which have beautiful artwork.
In the Levin area, well over 1000 premises have been connected and in Kapiti the number is nearly 3,500. Schools, Libraries and Health Centres have also been a priority.
The impact of UFB for our community is huge, with schools and businesses benefitting from being better connected here in New Zealand and around the globe.
As I visit schools and watch kids engage with technology it confirms to me this UFB rollout is critically important for future connectivity and learning.
The Government has also announced plans to boost the Rural Broadband Initiative by $150 million which will help connect the more rural parts of our electorate. This year I celebrated the 1000th customer to join this initiative just outside of Levin. The Government understands that bringing high speed internet to rural areas is critical for the country’s economic future.
Along with Transmission Gully and the Kapiti Expressway, these improved connections will encourage more people and businesses to base themselves here.
In the modern world, fast and reliable access to the internet isn’t a luxury it’s a necessity.