10. KATRINA SHANKS (National) Link to this
to the Minister for Communications and Information Technology
What action has the Government taken to help the roll-out of wireless broadband in regional New Zealand?
Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister for Communications and Information Technology) Link to this
Further applications were invited on 9 November for access to the Managed Spectrum Park in the 2.5 gigahertz band on a “first come, first served” basis. This follows a previous application process in 2009. This spectrum allocation will improve broadband services to rural New Zealand, which is a priority for the Government. An emerging consensus on the importance of wireless broadband services in rural areas means we will play a vital part in rolling out broadband in those areas where fixed broadband infrastructure can be less economic to deploy and insufficiently flexible—for example, in the farming environment.
Tenders close tomorrow for companies to submit their bids for the Rural Broadband Initiative. I am confident we will achieve our target of 80 percent of rural households and businesses having access to broadband services of 5 megabits per second or better, and the remaining 20 percent on speeds of 1 megabit per second or better, within the 6-year period. I expect the first agreement on providing fast rural broadband to be signed by the end of this year. Rural broadband will greatly help economic development and growth in rural areas, as people in those areas tap into the same Internet speeds currently enjoyed by their urban counterparts.
Rahui KateneWhat action has the Government taken to ensure Māori involvement in the broadband roll-out in the regions?
Expectations of community consultation, including with iwi, was part of the request for proposals of the Rural Broadband Initiative. The request for proposal notes that indications of community support, including from iwi, will be one of the criteria used in assessing partners that the Government will choose. Māori can choose to approach commercial bidders about becoming partners, but, at the very least, Māori are informed about the broadband developments that will provide better services to their communities. Officials have also liaised with iwi groups, including through face-to-face meetings where appropriate.