9. MOANA MACKEY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Communications and Information Technology
What steps is the Government taking to accelerate the roll-out of high-speed broadband?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Minister for Communications and Information Technology) Link to this
This Government is committed to ensuring that all New Zealanders have access to faster, cheaper broadband. Yesterday I announced details of the Broadband Investment Fund, which will help facilitate high-speed broadband to businesses, universities, schools, and hospitals; extend the reach of broadband into underserved regions, particularly in the rural sector; and improve the resilience of New Zealand’s international connections.
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
Yes, I have seen a report from Maurice Williamson MP that he was “going to have to be very careful about any detail”, and when asked whether he intended it to compete with the incumbent, Telecom, he said: “Well, no. The intention is to have a sort of utility, just like your water, your sewerage, your gas.” From one of the National Party’s great proponents of privatisation, this sudden urge to renationalise the telecommunications industry is somewhat curious.