Bigger, faster Rural Broadband hits New Zealand

Monday, 8 June 2015, 2:40 pm
Press Release: Vodafone

Bigger, faster Rural Broadband hits New Zealand

Vodafone has today introduced new bigger, faster broadband plans for digitally-connected kiwis living in rural New Zealand. The news comes as Vodafone confirms further investment into its rural network, with 20 additional communities set to receive 4G coverage in the next 12 months.

The new Rural Broadband service – the second launch under the new Vodafone Rural Connect brand – is now available with super-fast 4G speeds and large data bundles. The new offering is available using our 4G network giving customers a fast, reliable and seamless connected experience.

Vodafone’s Consumer Director, Matt Williams, says access to high-speed broadband has become a critical tool on the farm and in the home as Kiwis in rural areas have embraced being connected.

“Rural New Zealand is in the midst of a transformational change towards connectivity. We’ve seen a big shift in the behaviour of customers. Our data shows usage has almost doubled in the last six months over our rural network as the latest technology becomes more accessible. For example, farms are bringing on real-time digital applications that improve productivity, and help keep a lid on costs.”

Launching exclusively at National Fieldays later this week, customers can sign up for Vodafone’s new Rural Broadband plans and receive a massive 80GB of broadband data with unlimited national calling to landlines, starting at $105 a month. Customers have total control over their usage and can add more data if they need it.

In addition to larger data plans, Vodafone is also launching new L700 modem and antennae– making the fastest and most reliable internet over 4G accessible in rural areas. For just $99 [1] for a standard installation by a professional, Vodafone is providing customers the best opportunity to access optimised broadband speeds.

Matt continues: “Today is a huge day for rural New Zealand. We’re responding to a growing need for more data and faster speeds - which is a testament to what we’ve achieved to date with the thousands of existing customers on our rural network. It is just one piece of a wider story today - showing our commitment to expand 4G coverage to over 20 additional towns, and our innovative farming solution bundle.

“We’re continually investing to help our rural customers have access to the same benefits as those in urban areas, and have done so since the Rural Broadband Initiative in 2011. Our focus is to deliver our leading mobile network with fast and reliable connectivity to more and more Kiwis.”

President of Waikato Federated Farmers Chris Lewis, says running the family farm is a totally different experience since having Rural Broadband installed.

“It’s given me the ability to communicate with our suppliers in central Hamilton and run business applications from the paddock. My phone is just as important as my gumboots these days – I’m contactable anywhere on the farm thanks to Vodafone.

“It’s great for the family as well and our kids are seeing the benefits first hand. They can keep in regular contact with us so we know they’re safe, they can catch up with their mates through social networking and do things like stream content online.”

ENDS

[1] Standard Rural Broadband can be installed by a Vodafone arranged technician for $99 on a 24 month term. 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.

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