TUANZ calls for connectivity to be essential infrastructure

TUANZ has called for connectivity to be treated as essential infrastructure in New Zealand in an access and inclusion policy paper.

New Zealand has built broad fibre coverage, with 87% of people now able to access ultra-fast fibre broadband. However, TUANZ argues that barriers to digital inclusion are still leaving sections of the population behind.

Its intervention focuses on access, affordability, resilience and public service design. Around one in 10 households still do not have internet access at home, with Māori, Pasifika, disabled people and low-income households more likely to be affected.

According to the paper, rural communities also face higher costs and fewer connectivity options than urban areas. TUANZ argues these gaps show the policy challenge has moved beyond network build-out to whether people can use and benefit from digital services.

Craig Young, Chief Executive Officer of TUANZ, said the focus now needed to shift from infrastructure deployment alone to broader participation.

"Over the last two decades, New Zealand has made significant progress in building world-class digital infrastructure. The opportunity now is to ensure no community is left behind," Young said.

He also argued that connectivity had become a basic requirement for daily life rather than a discretionary service.

"Digital connectivity is no longer a luxury. It underpins education, healthcare, employment, business, emergency response and participation in modern society. If we want a more productive, resilient and inclusive New Zealand, we need to treat connectivity as essential infrastructure," Young said.

Four priorities

TUANZ set out four areas where it wants action. The first is formal recognition of connectivity as core infrastructure, on a par with services such as electricity and water.

That approach would place more weight on resilience, equity, and wider economic and social value, while supporting continued public investment to reach populations that remain unserved. The paper argues that commercial returns alone should not determine where connectivity is available or how robust it is.

The second proposal is a National Connectivity and Resilience Register. TUANZ says it should link every address to its connection type and resilience profile so authorities can identify coverage gaps and direct emergency support more effectively during crises.

The third area concerns affordability. The paper calls for government, industry and community groups to co-design affordable connectivity measures for low-income households, including possible subsidised home and mobile data, and a bulk funding model for devices and skills support.

The fourth recommendation is that digital public services should be designed inclusively from the outset. New government digital systems, including Digital Identity, should follow a Code of Practise for Inclusive Use and retain non-digital alternatives for people unwilling or unable to rely on online channels.

Resilience concerns

Network resilience is another theme in the paper. Recent severe weather events and natural disasters, TUANZ says, have underlined the importance of communications links during emergencies, when residents need access to information, assistance and basic services.

That broadens the debate from household broadband uptake to civil resilience and public safety. It also supports the organisation's argument that connectivity should be treated less as a consumer product and more as a foundational part of national infrastructure planning.

The publication was accompanied by a summary report from the Connecting Aotearoa Summit, which TUANZ says supports the policy paper's conclusions. Together, the documents position digital inclusion as a cross-sector issue spanning telecommunications, social policy, public services and emergency management.

The latest paper is the final instalment in TUANZ's six-part policy position series. The association says the wider programme sets out recommendations it sees as important to New Zealand's digital future.

Young said decisions taken over the current decade would shape whether the country captured the full value of its earlier network investments.

"Closing the digital divide is about more than technology. It's about ensuring every New Zealander has the opportunity to participate, contribute and thrive. By embedding inclusion, affordability and resilience into our approach today, we can create a stronger and more connected Aotearoa for generations to come," Young said.