Another important step has been taken in the story of the Ultra-Fast Broadband initiative as Crown Fibre Holdings shortlists 14 parties following a review of the refined proposals.
From the shortlist three have been selected for “prioritised negotiations”:
- Alpine Energy (Timaru)
- The Central North Island Fibre Consortium (Hamilton - including Cambridge and Te Awamutu, Tauranga, New Plymouth, Wanganui, Hawera and Tokoroa)
- Northpower (Whangarei)
One party not shortlisted was Canadian-based Axia NetMedia. Allen said that this party’s bid included certain elements that were not part of the government’s UFB policy.
“On the basis that CFH successfully concludes binding offers with these parties, the government and its partners will be bringing fibre to a significant part of New Zealand, which marks a real milestone for this initiative."
The remaining shortlisted parties will continue in the partner selection process.
“CFH will be having further discussions with the other shortlisted parties, and as a consequence of those discussions will elect other parties to negotiate with to meet the balance of the UFB target,” added Allen. “CFH is open to either a Telecom, New Zealand Regional Fibre Group solution, or some form of combination for the balance of the UFB project.”
Allen confirmed that CFH is on track to make recommendations for binding offers for initial investment partners to shareholding Ministers in October 2010.
Roll-out of UFB is expected before the end of the year.
Update: Telecom CEO Paul Reynolds has said that he needs "appropriate engagement" from the government to meet the deadline.
Shortlisted:
* CityLink Ltd covering Wellington Region including the Hutt Valley and Porirua
* Central Fibre Consortium. This is a consortium between Counties Power Ltd, Eastland Group Ltd, Horizon Energy Distribution Ltd, Unison Networks Ltd, and Centralines Ltd, and covers Pukekohe, Waiuku, Rotorua, Taupo, Whakatane, Gisborne, Napier, Hastings, Palmerston North, Feilding and Masterton
* Electra Ltd covering Levin and Kapiti
* Electricity Ashburton covering Ashburton
* Enable Networks Ltd covering Christchurch and Rangiora
* Flute Network. This is a consortium between Aurora Energy Ltd, Electricity Invercargill Ltd and The Power Company Ltd, covering Dunedin, Invercargill and Queenstown
* Network Tasman Ltd covering Nelson and Blenheim
* Network Waitaki Ltd covering Oamaru
* Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Ltd covering all 33 Candidate Areas
* Vector Ltd covering the Auckland region
* Westpower Ltd covering Greymouth
Not Shortlisted
* Axia NetMedia Corporation, covering all 33 Candidate Areas