Telecom/Vodafone, Tortoro, FX Networks on rural shortlist

Telecom/Vodafone, Tortoro, FX Networks shortlisted for rural broadband

Dec. 8 (BusinessDesk) – Torotoro Waea, FX Networks/OpenGate and Telecom/Vodafone are the three groups shortlisted for the government’s $300 million rural broadband initiative.

The three were chosen from five who had made proposals by Nov. 12, said Communications Minister, Steven Joyce.

“The short-listed proposals demonstrate that they merit further evaluation based on their plans to deliver the RBI objectives and provide open access to government-subsidised infrastructure,” Joyce said.

The tender for national coverage will see 80 per cent of rural households getting speeds of at least 5Mbps and the remainder receiving at least 1Mbps, he said.

Binding contracts are expected be signed in early 2011.

(BusinessDesk)

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