Global interest in govt fibre network

The government has garnered strong interest from private players keen to participate in its Ultra Fast Broadband network, including interest from “significant” international players.The notice of intention to participate closed on Friday 13 November, and ICT Minister Steven Joyce says that 38 groups have expressed an interest in forming a partnership to deliver a fibre to the home network. The government investment is $1.5 billion and the target is to deliver fibre-based broadband to 75% of New Zealanders in ten years.In a statement today, Joyce say the level of interest shows that the private sector is as excited about the investment as the government.“We are now getting very close to identifying the private sector partners who will build the infrastructure and get the roll-out underway.“From my perspective the right partners will share in the government’s vision of the transformative ability of ultra-fast broadband. They will have the credibility to step-up and deliver this critical piece of infrastructure in a cost-effective manner, and they will be patient and realistic investors. “In the Crown, they will find a highly motivated partner: one that is prepared to do the hard yards, to shoulder its fair share of the risks, and to see this ambitious project through.” The 38 groups now have until 29 January 2010 to lodge their full proposals.