Getting ready for massive broadband

“Faster broadband is revolutionary,” he says.

“It’s potentially a major paradigm shift.

“New Zealand companies can distribute content without having to leave our shores. And traditional exporters in the primary production field can engage directly with their customers online without having to leave the country.

“This is a complete step change for the New Zealand economy.”

O’Riley was speaking at the recent annual KANZ (Korea, Australia, New Zealand) Broadband Summit in Auckland.

In world terms, South Korea is already streets ahead. Right from the get-go its government has backed a comprehensive broadband policy for its tech-savvy, highly-urbanised population.

Now, 95 percent of Korean households have a broadband connection. According to a June ’09 Strategy Analytics report, no other country comes close to this achievement.

The same report ranks Australia in 11th place. New Zealand lags behind in a sulky 25th.

Yet this year both Australia and New Zealand have made giant strides towards finalising their respective broadband plans.

The Australian Government announced plans to provide fibre to the home (FTTH) to 90 percent of Australian homes. The final 10 percent will be served by wireless technology delivering up to 12Mbps.

On this side of the Tasman, in September this year our government announced plans to inject $1.5 billion into rolling out ultra-fast broadband to 75 percent of New Zealanders.

In the first six years it will focus on high-priority users such as businesses, schools and health services.

Some green field developments and residential areas will also get top treatment.

A rural broadband plan will roll out ultra-fast broadband to 97 percent of New Zealand schools.

It will also give 97 percent of New Zealand households and enterprises access to broadband services of 5 Mbps or more.
 
At the end of October this year, Communications and Information Technology Minister Steven Joyce confirmed the formation of Crown Fibre Holdings Limited to manage the Crown's investment in ultra-fast broadband infrastructure over the next ten years.

He also appointed its inaugural board which will be headed by former NZX chair Simon Allen.

Now, companies wanting to partner with the Government in a Local Fibre Company have until the end of January 2010 to submit their tenders.

Fast, accessible broadband, a digitally-skilled population, secure infrastructure and support for -- and access to -- New Zealand content are seen as cornerstone must-haves for Kiwi creativity, innovation and collaboration.