Rural Broadband Initiative 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.>>