Better broadband for New Zealand
Hon John Key
Many people are struggling with dial-up speed internet. It's tedious and slow for them to do simple things like send emails, read online news, or do a Google search. They wouldn't dream of being able to have a video conference, download information for a school project, or book concert tickets online.
That's not good enough in the 21st century. No one should miss out on the opportunities of today's leading technology - wherever they live.
The National-led Government is determined to secure a brighter future for you and your family. To do this, we need to be more ambitious and forward-looking than ever before. We need to future-proof New Zealand.
That's why we're working hard to deliver broadband to homes and schools all over the country.
Ultra-fast broadband is a breakthrough technology that will connect our communities and allow Kiwi businesses to reach customers around the globe.
We are partnering with the private sector to roll out ultra-fast broadband to 75 per cent of New Zealand homes over the next 10 years, with an initial focus on businesses, schools, health centres, and the first tranche of homes.
This complements our plan for public-private investment in rural broadband over the next six years.
Rural communities like ours are an integral part of the economy and we cannot afford to fall behind. The last thing we want is to see a digital divide develop between our rural and urban communities.
That's why we're accelerating the roll-out of fast broadband services to rural and remote areas.
Within six years we expect 97 per cent of rural schools will have fibre, enabling internet connection speeds of at least 100Mbps. The remaining schools will achieve speeds of at least 10Mbps. Connecting the schools means rural households will benefit too. And, over the same period, 80 per cent of rural households will have access to broadband with speeds of at least 5Mbps.
Fast broadband will grow our economy. It will deliver gains in productivity, enhance our capacity to be innovative, and draw us closer to our trading partners.
The future of broadband is in fibre, and taking it right to our homes, schools and businesses, will help us to secure a brighter future for all New Zealanders.
