Telecom has released a short statement on this morning’s announcement that Crown Fibre Holdings has confirmed partners for two regions of the government’s Ultra-fast Broadband initiative.

The two deals represent around 16% of the 75% targeted by the UFB initiative.

“This announcement confirms CFH’s previously indicated intention in these areas, and Telecom’s proposal is focused on the remainder of the country,” said Paul Reynolds, Telecom CEO (pictured).

“We continue to engage in the process being run by CFH to determine the successful partners for the rest of the country, however time is running out and we are conscious that our shareholders need resolution.”

Reynolds also brought up the issue of the Chorus split.

“We are firmly of the belief that a structurally separate Chorus as the cornerstone of a national framework for fibre is the most efficient and effective way to deliver the government’s fibre vision and that is reflected in our proposal,” he explained.

“We are also open to partnership with other public and private sector owners of fibre assets, including the parties selected as CFH’s partners, where partnership can improve the overall economics of a national solution to deliver fibre further and faster for New Zealand.”