An American manufacturer of broadband, cable TV andsatellite equipment is hungry for a piece of the New Zealand fibre broadbandmarket.

Arkansas-based PerfectVision began its assault – or moreprecisely its ‘Southern Charm’ offensive – on the local market by hosting theTUANZ After 5s in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland. Vice President EddyDuke told the audience the private company was established in 1985, has annualrevenues of $US 500 million, employs 400 staff and distributes its productsthrough 3500 dealers in the US.

It plans to move rapidly into the global market, with NewZealand high on its list of priorities. Duke says the government’s $1.5 billionfibre broadband roll out makes this country a lucrative market, and he says itcould be worth anything from $US 15 million to $US 200 million. The company hassupplied connectors, coaxial cable, tools dishes and other accessories forcable and satellite TV and broadband services. It has had no direct involvementin a fibre broadband network, but Duke was confident the company’s engineerscould create a produce to New Zealand standards. While in Auckland he met withSKY TV.

PerfectVision’s competitors in New Zealand are CommScope,Belden, Times Fiber and Christchurch based General Cable.

Its product is already sold in 22 countries, andDuke’s goal by the end of the year is to sell in 40 countries.

Following his whistlestoptour of New Zealand, he and colleague Christine Moschitta, the internationalbusiness development/PR manager, were off to Australia and then Dubai.

Pictured at the After 5s (from left): Eddy Duke, Ernie Newman, Doug Wilson, Christine Moschitta and US Consul General Randy Berry.