Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB) is now available in the central business district of South Canterbury town, Ashburton, thanks to 100% locally-owned co-op, Electricity Ashburton.
The co-op started building the network from its own funds back in 2008, and carried on despite Chorus claiming the government’s UFB contract for the area.
Electricity Ashburton general manager, Gordon Guthrie, says residents saw UFB as a priority very early on.
"We took it upon ourselves not to wait for the government,” Guthrie says.
"We thought it was an issue we needed to get ahead of.”
Guthrie says while it was disappointing to lose out on the application for UFB funding, the priority now is to make sure Chorus doesn’t end up duplicating the Electricity Ashburton network.
"We would be deeply disappointed if the government, during a time of fiscal prudence, allowed this to happen.”
Speaking for Chorus, spokesperson Robin Kelly says the company is committed to minimising overbuild of existing fibre networks.
"Chorus is partnering with the crown to rollout Ultra Fast Broadband in Ashburton,” Kelly says, "and is eager to work with partners, local council and community groups to bring fibre closer to more Ashburton residents than ever before.
Update: Chorus spokesperson Robin Kelly clarifies that Chorus has been operating and expanding its fibre network in Ashburton for 'a number of years'.
A map on Chorus' website shows Chorus' business fibre network extends from the corner of Methven Highway and Andrew Street down to Cass Street, and East some way up Hinds Highway.
Electricity Ashburton says its network operates within the boundaries of Cass Street, Dobson Street, Park Street and Willis Street. A map showing both operators' network coverage can be found here.
"Central Ashburton including Hampstead is included in Chorus’ first year rollout plans with work scheduled to start before Christmas. By July next year, Chorus will have run the new UFB network past 1400 Ashburton homes, businesses and medical centres, by extending its existing 40km local fibre network which has been in place for many years.”
Image source here.
