Rural NZ faces shift as copper network deregulation looms
Rural communities say support is required to shift away from the copper network that has been the only source of internet connection for some parts of rural New Zealand.
The endorsement is part of the Commission’s Infrastructure Priorities Programme (IPP) and supporters say it recognizes rural connectivity as a critical national issue.
In its assessment, the Infrastructure Commission gave the proposal a green rating for value for money, meaning that it has a strong Benefit Cost Ratio.
“The proposal demonstrates potential to provide net benefits to society.
“This is due to an early option being explored that has an estimated value to society that is likely to exceed its estimated cost,” the Commission wrote in its assessment.
The proposed expansion would bring fibre to approximately 160,000 more addresses, many of which are in regional and rural New Zealand.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) national president Sandra Matthews says the endorsement is a “big boost” to the addressing of what she says is a long-standing digital divide faced by rural communities.
“Reliable and highspeed internet is essential to the success of rural businesses, the delivery of rural healthcare and education, and the overall wellbeing of our more isolated communities,” she says.
Matthews says that as technology changes and new opportunities arise through digital connectivity, it is necessary to ensure that rural communities are well-placed to benefit.
“It is therefore critical that government moves swiftly to provide backing to this proposal,” she says.
Chorus chief executive Mark Aue says the endorsement reinforces the idea that digital infrastructure is essential national infrastructure.
“Just like roads and water, fibre connectivity underpins our economy, education, healthcare, and social wellbeing,” Aue says.
He says the project is ready to move forward.
“We’re ready to work with government again to explore innovative funding models that draw on both public and private capital to extend fibre coverage even further,” Aue says.
He says that with government backing, Chorus would be able to start the project within a few months.
“But it doesn’t have to be all or nothing,” he says. “Our proposal lends itself to staged delivery, allowing investment to be spread over time while delivering real benefits at each step.”
“Reliable, scalable, high-performing connectivity is no longer a luxury; it’s essential. We need a clear plan to ensure rural New Zealand isn’t left behind.”
