8 OCTOBER 2015

Very Slow Broadband Limits Rural Users

While slow broadband is failing rural New Zealand, the government is side-tracked claiming its being bold with a new connectivity target, says New Zealand First.

“The true picture is that rural people and businesses are crying out with frustration, but are being ignored,” says New Zealand First Spokesperson on Communications and IT Tracey Martin.

“In Northland, for example, businesses can’t answer customer emails, send invoices or use internet banking to pay bills because it’s so slow.

“How ironic it was that the government announced its ‘new connectivity target’ for 2025 while launching its ‘business growth agenda’, when in fact it is stalling business growth by failing to focus on first, upgrading the existing cable network and infrastructure so people can at least regain broadband at a reasonable speed, then getting ultra-fast broadband delivered quickly.

“Internet speeds in Northland have drastically reduced since last year as internet service providers sign up new customers without a thought for the service to existing customers.

“The ITM Fishing Show, a business that brings the world to New Zealand through a popular TV programme, wants to expand but its productivity is limited by poor internet speeds. This owner needs to deliver high definition media around the world but he can’t. If Kerikeri doesn’t get ultra-fast broadband the business can’t continue in the North and employ more people.”

ENDS

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