New Zealand needs, and Kiwis deserve, access to ultra-fast fibre networks. The foresight of this government and the numerous electricity lines and fibre companies which make up the collective strength of the New Zealand Regional Fibre Group (NZRFG) – 19 in all – is ensuring this is fast becoming a reality. Hundreds of thousands of Kiwis are already accessing the connectivity speeds that can only be provided by fibre and which are essential if New Zealand is to compete globally over the next decade and beyond. Most benefactors of these networks – from schools, to health centres; city business, to farmers running complex multi-million dollar business models – would be largely unaware that fibre is the enabler in the background, making life easier. Those already utilising the speed, consistency and reliability of fibre networks are clearly reaping benefits they once only dreamt of. The government has made it pertinently clear that if New Zealand is to experience a worthwhile and much-needed economic step-change, then an overhaul of our communications networks, i.e. a move to a fibre world, is imperative. That’s why the urban and rural broadband initiatives have been championed by Communications Minister Stephen Joyce and why the NZRFG has backed these endeavours from day one. The NZRFG sees the implicit need for fibre to the door of as many New Zealanders as possible and high speed fibre-enabled broadband for those who live more remotely. The naysayers who continually revolt against the need for technological progress in the interests of protecting current business models – take the limitations of copperbased broadband for example – are fooling themselves and selling New Zealanders short. Had reinvestment in our telecommunications infrastructure occurred at appropriate times and levels in recent decades, there simply would not be the same need for Government intervention by way of the UFB and RBI. There is nothing to fear from this proposed stepchange; only immense opportunity to take advantage of and capitalise on. Yes, there is a cost to invest in the infrastructure, but that is common practice in developed countries and the payback will be immense. We must embark on this build now to have it in place when we most need it – in years to come. It is about being prepared, which is why so many NZRFG members have taken it upon themselves to begin construction of regional networks; some beginning as far back as the 1990s. I’ve never heard anyone lament the provision of, or continued investment in, transport or electricity throughout the country. So why would we resent the opportunity to futureproof our communications infrastructure with world-class fibre networks? It’s a move that will clearly allow us to be globally linked and internationally competitive – instant access between any workplace and any country, at any time. Electricity is an essential utility we all rely on and it has been brought to you by those very members of the NZRFG who are now delivering another utility to communities around the country – fibre. These are utility specialists with extensive assets and experience, along with an intricate understanding of their local communities and topography. And these electricity companies have been joined by three fibre companies established by their own local communities and councils, which recognised the opportunity for a national step change, whilst possessing the same desire of all other members to enable and promote their respective regions. Together they have grown the NZRFG. These members are utility companies with electricity and fibre businesses that are truly local, simply because they are locally owned, so they are bound to do what is best by all of their stakeholders. This appears to be one aspect of the NZRFG proposition recognised and valued by CFH and the Communications Minister, emphasised in their recent comments on the decision to progress negotiations with five of our members, represented in three UFB bids. Under the umbrella of the NZRFG, these entities have come together to develop the national coordination and standards required to build the electricity of the digital age – fibre networks – and in doing so, future-proof the communications landscape of New Zealand. Just as electricity led to the development of dishwashers and microwaves, fibre will lead to developments we can’t yet imagine. This may sound simplistic, but it’s a valid analogy. To enable the operation of a seamless nationwide fibre network, the NZRFG has been developing a common service organisation designed to provide the capability to effectively manage change and performance of the active network, from an industry best practice approach, and to provide a consistent approach to the engagement of retail service providers. By providing fulfilment, assurance and billing services over standards-based B2B technology, the common service organisation will expose all relevant information and services to retail service providers so they are empowered to complete transactions with, and get status from, any regional local fibre company. This will allow regionally based retail service providers to access the rest of the country and potentially the world. The common service organisation business model is designed to drive costs out of the industry, remove barriers to entry and promote unparalleled levels of competition and innovation at the retail service provider level. By being unencumbered by legacy telecommunications operating models and systems, and by consolidating the operating systems and services of the regional LFCs, the common services organisation will reduce the overall operating investment required and return the significant value through economies of scale. Combined with our own learnings, the service model used for Singapore’s fibre to the home build has played an important part in the development of our common service organisation. We understand Australia is looking to utilise a similar model for its National Broadband Network. Commonality of service models, network interoperability and collaboration across all three countries will evolve, as we pioneer fibre to the door networks that will attract new economic opportunities to the South-east Asian and Pacific regions. New Zealand stands to benefit from that. I’m passionate about a future where New Zealanders can take on the world from their figurative shed and achieve success, where our children have the best educational opportunities and can forge rewarding careers without having to leave these shores. Fibre networks can provide that. New Zealand was once rated the best country in the world – our members are keen to play their part in regaining that mantle..
