Rural Broadband Initiative news stories

Spark has boosted its rural wireless broadband capacity in a bid to meet demand following the COVID-19 lockdown.

“Surpassing 15,000 customers cements our position as New Zealand’s leading rural broadband provider."

Two projects from Christchurch City Council, one project from the Rural Connectivity Group and another from Frenzy Application have been shortlisted in IDC's Asia Pacific Smart Cities Awards.

The new 4G cell site will increase the area’s access to communication services, with boosted mobile phone reception and data speeds faster than 3G.

Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees announce new rural broadband and mobile services in twenty locations 

Communications minister Clare Curran says she wants "people to know they don’t have to wait until the end of 2022."

Why should New Zealanders who don’t live in cities be the last to be supported?

"We’re tied for third fastest in the APAC region, [which] puts New Zealand alongside other global connectivity leaders such as Japan & South Korea."

The Broadband Compare Awards launch this week in response to the increasingly diversified Kiwi market of more than 100 Internet providers.

"What the survey is showing us is that New Zealanders are ready to move on from the copper internet era."

“Access to fast and reliable internet helps create an environment for economic growth – it’s critical to helping businesses and communities thrive."

“This Government has made a priority of removing obstacles to improve connectivity and to modernise and streamline processes."

"There are also opportunities for the application of big data and analytics, particularly as speedy online transfers of data between farmers."

"We’re excited that Reikorangi is now home to Spark’s 100th RBI site, connecting the area to the rest of the country."

The new agreement means minimum peak broadband connection speeds under the RBI increase to at least six times the current levels.

“Before the project, rural communities were grappling with poor speeds, little better than dial up – but are now enjoying speeds around 100x faster."

Increasingly, technology is having a bigger part to play in one or our country’s biggest earning industries - and for good reason.

“It’s now up to each community to make the most of this increased connectivity.”

Chorus has now finished its five-year project for the Government's Rural Broadband Initative (RBI), the company announced at a celebration in Waitomo.

“The programme has extended coverage to areas where previously there was none," says Communications Minister Amy Adams.

“We’re always looking to improve access to mobile coverage across NZand we’re excited that Taranaki is now able to access the benefits of 4G."

“Access to better broadband means more New Zealand businesses and students can make the most of the digital economy.”

“Broadband and mobile coverage to Kauaeranga Valley will ensure residents can use fast broadband, while visitors who come here can stay connected."

A recent investment by Spark into the Government’s local Rural Broadband Initiative will see coverage expanded to the Waikato town of Aria.