Satellite Provider Supports Rural Broadband

Satellite Broadband Provider Supports Commitment To Rural Broadband

Media release, 23 April 2008, BayCity Communications, Christchurch:

South Island based satellite broadband provider BayCity Communications has come out in support of any commitment to increase funding for high speed broadband, but only if takes account of the 25% percent of the population unlikely to be connected via fibre.

BayCity managing director, Tony Baird commented today that any commitment to provide fibre-optic broadband to New Zealanders is great, but even more significant is getting broadband to the rural communities that drive New Zealand’s economy.

Suggestions by National leader John Key that the party would double the Broadband Challenge fund have to be viewed as positive otherwise provincial New Zealand runs the risk of being left even further behind with the introduction of faster broadband in urban areas.

"We are reassured by the fact that the politicians appear to have a clear understanding of the need to use a combination of technologies to reach all New Zealanders – including satellite and wireless / cellular" Baird said.

"With John Key’s speech to the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, and Dr Reynold's recent statements about Telecom wanting to commit to finding solutions for providing service to rural New Zealand, we would like to reiterate once again, that satellite broadband is here, ready and accessible right now."

"We are happy to partner with the government, with other providers and with Telecom to ensure the most cost effective and rapidly implemented broadband service is provided to rural homes."

BayCity Communications is the National Service Operator for the IPSTAR satellite, which currently provides satellite broadband via a network of resellers. Satellite broadband is capable of delivering fast internet services to virtually any location in New Zealand as it is not dependent on any copper or fibre based network.

ENDS

About BayCity Communications:
BayCity Communications is the National Service Operator for a range of satellite based communication products throughout New Zealand, including broadband internet, Voice over IP and satellite TV.

BayCity Communications has exclusive access to the IPSTAR telecommunications satellite in New Zealand and is contracted to provide New Zealand service providers with a range of wholesale bandwidth. The IPSTAR satellite was launched in 2006 and is the largest two-way communications satellite of its kind.

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