Rural NZ top of mind in Copper Services Investigation
The Commerce Commission says connectivity options for rural New Zealanders are front-of-mind as it begins a formal investigation into the future of the copper network.
The RCG was appointed by the Government in August 2017 to provide the infrastructure for wireless broadband in rural New Zealand under the Rural Broadband Initiative 2 (RBI2) and the Mobile Black Spot fund (MBSF).
The tower, built in Te Ākau, Waikato, sits approximately 50km outside of Hamilton.
Clark says the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of connectivity.
“During the lockdowns, Kiwis were forced to re-think their approach to working, learning and socialising – by doing it all from our homes,” he said.
“RCG’s delivery of 350 towers is an amazing milestone in New Zealand’s connectivity journey and I know the community and businesses in Te Ākau will benefit greatly.”
Clark said rural connectivity helps farmers to modernise and streamline the way they work, while also allowing local businesses to offer Eftpos, online services, and ensuring residents can access emergency services.
“Having our rural communities in a position to participate fully in the digital economy, is a much-needed push in the right direction as we go about securing an economic recovery for the country.”
The Government’s aim, he said, is to have 99.8% of the population connected to improved broadband by the end of 2023.
He said that to date, 1,000km of State Highway and 86 tourism spots now have mobile coverage. A further 560 marae have been connected to broadband, and over 72,000 rural homes and businesses now have access to improved broadband.
“I look forward to seeing Aotearoa’s connectivity journey continue, as this Government remains committed to improving connectivity for New Zealanders,” Clark said.
