Telecom Continues Broadband Roll Out Around NZ

Telecom Continues Broadband Roll Out Around New Zealand

Telecom is upgrading twelve more exchanges around New Zealand so even more businesses and home users will be able to access Telecom's fast Internet product, JetStream.

Telecom Chief Operating Officer New Zealand Simon Moutter said the roll out continued the good progress Telecom had made in bringing broadband access to New Zealanders.

“Telecom has a programme of exchange upgrades throughout New Zealand. We deliver broadband access via JetStream from exchanges where it’s likely to be commercially viable, based on factors including the cost of upgrading an exchange and likely customer demand.”

“There is low demand for fast Internet access in rural areas and this a barrier to investment. As a result, it’s necessary to work with communities to pool customer demand before spending money on technology.”

Telecom will have 146 ADSL enabled exchanges once upgrading of the 12 exchanges announced today has been completed. ADSL is the technology behind Telecom’s JetStream fast Internet access service.

Mr Moutter said Telecom is continuing its discussions with regional councils and trusts on commercially viable ways to bring broadband to remote parts of New Zealand.

“We’re pleased with the success of the pilot scheme in Otago where an arrangement with the Community Trust of Otago has facilitated the introduction of broadband in 13 Otago towns – and to every secondary school in the region.

“We’re keen to see similar schemes in other remote parts of the country where we cannot immediately see a business case that justifies investment in exchange upgrades.”

Mr Moutter says Telecom is also actively looking at viable ways to address the broadband needs of isolated customers with technologies like wireless, two-way satellite and use of our CDMA network.

List of exchanges being upgraded in the near future:

Richmond
Stoke
Lynmore
Kerikeri
Paihia
Kaitaia
Cambridge
Te Awamutu
Matamata
Paeroa
Te Puke
Rangiora

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