9 August 2004

Manukau welcomes Telecom pilot

Telecom's plan to pilot its newest technology in Manukau will help further the city's position as a pioneer in advanced technology development, Manukau mayor Sir Barry Curtis says.

Telecom is running a $10 million pilot of "fibre to the premises" for more than 500 customers in the Flatbush residential subdivision and the Highbrook business park.

The pilot will give customers a high bandwidth fibre connection right to their home or business site, which Telecom will use to test new technologies and services.

"This is a wonderful recognition by Telecom of the vibrant opportunities for business growth and enhanced services for Manukau," Sir Barry says..

Over the year to March, Manukau's growth rate was 7.3%, around twice the national average. Sir Barry says the city has a strong reputation for being a home to innovative businesses and for having a council that is strongly supportive of business growth.

"New communications technologies are essential to a bright future and the Council is going to be working closely with Telecom to see what applications could be developed as part of the pilot, for homes as well as businesses.

"I'm sure that both we and Telecom will learn a lot from this pilot, and it will certainly help to boost Manukau's growth."

Manukau is the first council in New Zealand to adopt a policy requiring new housing developments to be wired for broadband.

ENDS

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