Vodafone’s RBI rollout ploughs ahead of targets

Media Release

08 August 2013

Vodafone’s RBI rollout ploughs ahead of targets

As the second year of construction ends, Vodafone is celebrating its commitment to rural connectivity by over achieving on each of its delivery targets under the Government’s Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI), meaning that well over 110,000 rural households and businesses now have access to new services.

On 30 June, 45 new sites had been built and integrated into the network, and 157 upgrades to existing towers completed, several more in each case than was required. An additional benefit of the scheme will be new mobile coverage to an estimated 4500km of rural roads, a massive improvement for farming districts in dealing with emergencies, transport logistics, road safety and other real life circumstances requiring urgent communications.

Vodafone’s Director of Technology Sandra Pickering says she is immensely proud of her team and delighted with progress. “We’re thrilled to have connected so many communities around New Zealand,” says Pickering. “Access to high-speed broadband makes a significant difference to the lives of rural New Zealanders. Having broadband not only improves farming technology and agri-innovation but employment and study options for rural youth.”

“In addition to faster speeds, customers also now have increased data caps on selected plans. Rural customers are embracing online applications, we’ve seen usage increase over the last 12 months and have responded by adjusting our plans.”

The faster, 21MB wireless broadband modem, introduced earlier this year, has allowed customers to experience speeds in excess of some city dwellers.

Mossburn wireless broadband customer and farm manager, Darren Sinclair, is achieving over 15 mbps with his new router, a speed some city dwellers have every reason to be envious of. “I use the internet to access and collate farm information, as well as staying in touch with friends. “says Sinclair. “This is lightning fast broadband, which also provides a Wi-Fi network in my home. ”

As well as a significant presence at all the major rural events, part of Vodafone’s commitment has been the creation of new partnerships with organisations such as Federated Farmers, Young Farmers and National Fieldays. These relationships deliver invaluable information from the sector and identify their priorities and requirements. Vodafone is developing a clear understanding of the rural sector and how a global telecommunications player can make a difference to rural New Zealand.

RBI

Under the five year RBI plan, Vodafone will upgrade 387 existing cell towers and build a further 154 new towers in rural areas all over New Zealand. These are either of a monopole or lattice design, and are designed to accommodate Vodafone equipment and that of other mobile and wireless operators.

The RBI service, delivers wireless broadband via a high performance modem, adding a Wi-Fi network into the home. Phone calls can also be made through this service by plugging an existing landline phone directly into the modem, removing the need for a landline connection. Customers can port their existing landline number to this new service. As well as fast and reliable broadband the initiative is also delivering 3G mobile coverage to areas with little or no previous mobile coverage.

Customers can find out if this service will be available at their address by checking online at

www.vodafone.co.nz/rural-broadband.

ENDS

Notes to editor:

Wireless Broadband will be installed by a Vodafone arranged technician, and installation fees will apply. In the unlikely event your installer determines you may not receive a good experience, the installation will not proceed and you will not be charged.

Vodafone Wireless Broadband Plans and Pricing

Need additional data?

From 26th March customers can purchase an additional 10GB of data for $20

Vodafone Wireless Broadband Calling plans

Wireless Broadband and Calling plans come with a standard per minute calling plan, which includes unlimited local calling and great rates to national and international landlines and mobiles. National calls are 26c per minute, capped at $2.50 per call (for up to 2 hours).

Calls to New Zealand mobiles are 36c per minute.

A great range of calling add-ons are available, including calls to NZ landlines for $20 a month.

For a full list of add-ons and international rates as well as popular phone line features such as voicemail, visit vodafone.co.nz/rural-broadband.

Standard installation charges for Wireless Broadband

Please see www.vodafone.co.nz for more information and for a full list of our terms and conditions.

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