Is Vector's next move international connectivity?

So Vector wants to provide fibre connectivity to the Auckland region – 450,000 premises in the next seven years. Its biggest competitor is Telecom – which has a majority share in the only international cable that connects to this country.

However, there are plans for two more international cables, detailed plans - a trans-Tasman cable by Kordia, and a trans-Pacific cable by a company called SPIN. This week Telecommunications Review revealed that SPIN wants to talk to Kordia about a possible partnership.

See story: We’ll partner with Kordia on international cable - SPIN

SPIN CEO Remi Galasso says they’re talking to potential partners here to help fund the NZ connection, he won’t say who because of non disclosure agreements.

He also said they want to land the cable in Takapuna. That’s Vector country. TR asked Vector CEO Simon Mackenzie about alternatives to Telecom’s Southern Cross Cable.

“I guess the reality there is that there are other operators that are looking at providing additional capacity and from a Vector perspective we keep a close watch on that.”

When TR asked MacKenzie to name possible cable providers other than Kordia, Mackenzie replied:

“I’m not at liberty to talk about that to be honest but there is another operator that’s been a potential in this area.”When TR asked specifically about SPIN, he confirmed that Vector’s had discussions, but he said nothing has been signed.