Federated Farmers and Vodafone join forces

Federated Farmers and Vodafone join forces

Federated Farmers welcomes Vodafone as a premier partner and its official communications supplier. Vodafone will provide fixed line and mobile services to the Federation, while designing a tailored pricing plan for its full membership.

“Telecommunications and broadband are absolutely critical for our rural communities and businesses,” explains Connor English, Federated Farmers Chief Executive Officer.

“We are delighted to partner with Vodafone. They share our view that rural New Zealand needs the best technology and tools. We look forward to working with them in the coming years.

“It is critical that New Zealand’s rural communities have the best possible communications infrastructure.

“Federated Farmers advocated successfully for increased investment in rural broadband, greater competition and improved mobile phone coverage.

“We now want to see a sensible release of the digital dividend spectrum to ensure that our rural communities can participate fully in the advance of technology,” Mr English concluded.

Vodafone already supports organisations including Young Farmers, Rural Women, Rural Contractors and the Rural GP Network. Andrew Fairgray, Vodafone’s General Manager of Sales, says the contract strengthens Vodafone’s commitment to the industry and rural strategy.

“This partnership allows Vodafone to tap into the heart of rural New Zealand and to provide best of breed technologies.

“By capturing insights from members, we can further enhance the offering and value we provide. We’re involved in innovative research, as well as in grassroots support in the regions through our rural ambassadors and rural relationship managers," Mr Fairgray concluded.

Vodafone has been busy delivering the Government’s Rural Broadband Initiative across rural New Zealand. Under the six year scheme the company will deliver wireless broadband through 154 new cell sites and manage 387 upgrades to existing infrastructure. Today, 19 new RBI sites and 130 upgrades to existing sites are completed servicing over 80,000 address points across rural New Zealand.
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