After asking for refined proposals for the government’s Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) initiative in July, Crown Fibre Holdings has said it’s now received them.

Communications and IT Steven Joyce welcomed the news and re-emphasized that delivering ultra-fast broadband to 75% of New Zealanders within the next 10 years is a key priority for the government.

“Access to ultra-fast broadband is part of the essential infrastructure of a productive and growing economy and will be crucial to New Zealand improving its competitive advantage in the global market,” he said.

“The future of broadband is in fibre, and taking it right in to the home will bring significant gains for productivity, innovation and global reach.  We are one step closer to realising those benefits today. By October of this year I’m expecting to see Crown Fibre Holdings’ recommendations on preferred investment partners. This should enable new fibre to start going into the ground around the end of the year,” Joyce added.