Tasman district moves ahead with broadband funding application

The Tasman District Council has confirmed it has submitted its Digital Enablement Plan in the second part of the two-stage application process for the Government's broadband funding.

The first stage of the application process closed in July this year.

The registration of interest (ROI) invited councils to provide supporting information to enable extension of ultra fast broadband, rural broadband and mobile blackspot coverage. The work, while carried out by Government-funded contractors, will be funded where the most benefit will be gained.

"The district's Digital Enablement Plan couldn't have happened without the close collaboration, co-operation and commitment of Tasman communities," explains councillor Judene Edgar.

"All the groups, organisations and representatives who stepped up deserve recognition for making this plan a reality," she says.

"The submitted plan represents a community-wide commitment to working together to realise the opportunities identified in the many recent meetings held throughout the district.

Edgar says the Tasman's Digital Enablement plan is a 'living plan'. "It will keep changing as older projects finish and new projects come on," she says. "It also needs to be flexible to take advantage of rapid technology change, especially if our region is successful in receiving more funding."

With one regional economy across the Tasman and Nelson region, Edgar says the benefits will be region-wide.

"It will be a few months before anyone finds out which regions benefit will from the Government's investment," Edgar says. "Regardless of outcome, as a community we're getting on with creating a digital future.

"While the funding isn't guaranteed, a good business case has been put forward to attract something from each of the three funds," she explains. "Our ROI and Digital Enablement Plan is focused on delivering support and investment across the region for ultrafast broadband, rural broadband and mobile blackspot coverage."

The Tasman Digital Enablement Plan can be viewed here.