Timetable for Ultra-Fast Broadband Announced

Crown Fibre Holdings Announces Indicative Timetable for Ultra-Fast Broadband Partner Selection Process
18 February 2010

Crown Fibre Holdings Chairman Simon Allen today announced the indicative timetable for its assessment of proposals received from various parties and consortiums for the Government’s Ultra-Fast Broadband Initiative. Crown Fibre Holdings received proposals from respondents for delivery of fibre networks throughout New Zealand on 29 January.

“The process to assess proposals is complex, but we have an indicative timetable which we are working towards.”

Crown Fibre Holdings will be contacting respondents this week to obtain additional information on proposals in respect of the eligibility criteria.

“As needed, the additional information required will enable Crown Fibre Holdings to make decisions about which proposals are eligible and will therefore be taken to the next stage. Assuming information is forthcoming, Crown Fibre Holdings should be able to settle on a preliminary shortlist of eligible proposals within a month,” said Mr Allen.

Crown Fibre Holdings will then be carrying out detailed analysis of preliminary shortlisted proposals (this will include a more detailed information request) and will be having discussions with parties on the preliminary shortlist during March and April.

“Crown Fibre Holdings’ current objective is to complete the next stage of the assessment process by the end of May. We then expect to decide on the final shortlist, with whom Crown Fibre Holdings will negotiate final binding offers for recommendation to Shareholding Ministers, during the third calendar quarter of this year,” said Mr Allen.

As the process advances, Crown Fibre Holdings will announce further details.

ENDS

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