Vodafone calls on Chorus to speed up UFB talks

Vodafone has issued its disappointment that Chorus has suspended its scheduled Dialogue Briefing around new, faster fibre services.

Last month, Chorus announced an industry consultation on a proposed new range of Ultra-fast Broadband (UFB) products, giving Retail Service Providers (RSPs) the opportunity to offer faster speeds and better value over fibre.

This process has now been postponed by Chorus, a move which has been questioned by the telco.

In a statement released this morning, Vodafone claims it has been vocal in its views on accelerating New Zealand’s fibre future, with the company pushing for faster speeds to create a clear distinction between copper – particularly VDSL – and fibre, making UFB more compelling and attractive, so customers find the decision to shift straightforward.

Whilst the Chorus proposals did not go as far as they needed to, Vodafone supported the move as a step in the right direction, the telco claims.

Vodafone CEO, Russell Stanners says New Zealanders deserve faster speeds and better products than are currently offered by Local Fibre Companies (LFCs).

“The current entry level UFB speed on offer of 30Mbps down is dismal when compared to international benchmarks and what’s currently available on copper networks in New Zealand," Stanners says.

"The introduction of VDSL products in the market has made entry level fibre offerings redundant.

“The UFB initiative was premised on improving New Zealand’s international competitiveness, but we risk falling behind the speeds and services available in other countries – such as Singapore, Japan and Korea.

“If Chorus – and the other LFCs – feel unable to provide the layer 2 services we believe customers need, the Government should look to bring forward the unbundling of the fibre network and let others have a go.”