Clare Curran
Dunedin South MP

23 July 2014

Public Meeting on Internet Connectivity in Outram to be held on Monday 28 July

“A public meeting to discuss community-based solutions to improving internet speeds and reliability in Outram follows community agitation on poor connectivity,” Labour’s ICT Spokesperson Clare Curran said.

“Yesterday, reports showed that performance of rural broadband connections are declining across New Zealand. While fast broadband is being brought to the cities, those living in smaller rural communities are being left in the doldrums.

“Recently, Outram residents launched a petition calling on Parliament to urge to Government to include Outram into the Ultra-Fast Broadband project. The petition was delivered to the Office of the Clerk of the House yesterday and will be tabled in Parliament today.

“Of the 708 people currently living in Outram an amazing 367 signed this petition, demonstrating a broad and deep desire by the community to remedy their current unacceptable Internet speeds. In neighbouring Saddle Hill, 88 signatures were gathered from a similar petition following concern from a community member about low connectivity.

“While there are sensible, community-based solutions to improving internet speeds, the complexities and layered costs of such an undertaking are often beyond the capacity of small communities, like Outram.

“That is why I am organising a public meeting to allow community members to review available options and connect with local wireless network providers and Telco representatives.

“Representatives from Chorus and Vodafone have been invited to attend and hear local residents’ concerns directly.

“This community has shown a great deal of passion and excitement about the Ultra-Fast Broadband project.

“I would urge Chorus, Vodafone, and local broadband vendors to make use of this excitement and convey any solutions to the community that they can provide,” she said.

Event details:
5:30-6:30PM
Monday 28 July
Outram School Hall
1 Beaumaris St
Outram 9019

ENDS

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