The New Zealand based internet service provider, provides broadband services throughout New Zealand along with an Optus satellite network for rural communities.
Company technical director, Tom Linn says he is pleased to be working with RHAANZ as both companies share a common goal, to connect New Zealanders everywhere with the Internet.
“We understand that isolation and lack of connectivity can be a real issue for people living in remote areas,” says Linn.
RHAANZ chief executive Michelle Thompson says that reliable and affordable connectivity is critical for the health and wellbeing of rural communities. She says the benefits include minimising a sense of isolation and improving access to health services via the likes of telemedicine and video consultations.
“It also opens up business and economic development opportunities as well as increasing the overall liveability of rural NZ,” says Thompson.
The partnership follows the announcement in March of a Rural Broadband Initiative Extension (RBI2), which aims to increase connectivity in rural areas.
Rural businesses, communities and health organisations will have an opportunity to provide advice to the Government regarding RBI2 at the TUANZ and RHAANZ Rural Connectivity Symposium.
The symposium takes place in Wellington at the James Cook Hotel on Thursday, May 28.
