Ōtaki MP Nathan Guy is welcoming the Government decision to roll out high speed broadband in rural areas.
“This $300 million project is great news for our region and will lead to a major step-change in rural broadband,” says Mr Guy.
“Many people in rural parts of Kāpiti and Horowhenua are frustrated with their internet access. Areas like Ohau or Horowhenua’s coastal settlements struggle with slow dial-up speeds through copper phone lines. It can be tedious and slow to do simple things like send emails, read online news, or do a Google search.
“At my rural property we moved to slow broadband a few years ago and it has been like moving into the 21st century, being able to talk on the phone and be online at the same time.
“As a result of this plan, 97 percent of all households will have access to fast broadband services of between1Mbps and 5Mbps. The ability to work from home without having to get in a car, bus or train will be a real boost to the region.
“This plan will connect fibre directly to rural schools, boosting teaching and learning methods. Every student will have access to fast internet, preparing them for living and working in the modern economy.”
There will be a two-phase rural broadband initiative tender process. The Government expects to call for expressions of interest during April and allocate funding to successful bidders before the end of the year.
