The roll-out of Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) to Thames is now complete and more than 20 percent of the 3000 premises able to connect to the new Chorus network have already done so.

Nationally, the average uptake of fibre broadband is about 42% several years into the UFB programme.

Thames-Coromandel District Mayor Sandra Goudie has welcomed the news and is very keen to embrace what the connectivity means for Thames.

"Bring it on! Thames is now plugged into the global mainframe at high speed. We're very excited about how Ultra-Fast Broadband will make a difference for doing business and being connected at home and work. We're really looking forward to the other 13 Coromandel communities on the Government's UFB build list being connected over the next few years,” Mayor Sandra says.

See the schedule for the UFB fibre build in the Coromandel below. Work began in late August in Te Puru.

Fibre broadband provides a dedicated line which allows for a reliable and consistent user experience with no data constraints, even at the busiest times of day. Not only is it about getting things done faster, it’s about multiple people being able to do everything they like online, all at the same time.

Chorus Network Strategy Manager Kurt Rodgers says: “UFB is transforming New Zealand’s economy by boosting productivity, connecting our communities and enhancing our connection to the rest of the world.

“Consumer behaviour has changed with the arrival of online streaming services, and as more and more content moves online, fibre will be necessary for all New Zealanders to participate," he says.

“As Chorus crosses the country laying fibre, more New Zealanders can, and are, taking advantage of our faster, more reliable broadband.”

While Chorus provides the technology, it does not sell broadband plans directly and instead works with phone and broadband providers to get people connected.

Your broadband provider can guide you through the ordering and installation process, as well as plans and associated costs.

To find a plan that is right for you, try broadbandcompare.co.nz, or head to chorus.co.nz to use the broadband checker to be sure you’re getting the best broadband you can.

UFB fibre build schedule

• Thames - completed
• Te Puru - completion scheduled for April 2019 
• Waiomu - completion scheduled for May 2020
• Tapu - completion scheduled for March 2020
• Coromandel Town - completion scheduled for January 2020
• Matarangi - completion scheduled for October 2020
• Whangapoua - completion scheduled for January 2020
• Kuaotunu - completion scheduled for January 2020
• Whitianga - completion scheduled for August 2020
• Ferry Landing/Cooks Beach - completion scheduled for May 2021
• Hahei - completion scheduled for September 2019
• Tairua-Pauanui - completion scheduled for March 2022
• Whangamata - completion scheduled for June 2021
• Matatoki - completion scheduled for March 2020

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