The New Zealand Government recently announced a bold new connectivity target for areas outside the UFB footprint so that virtually all New Zealanders, regardless of where they live or work, will be able to access broadband at peak speeds of at least 50 Mbps by 2025.
Commenting on the target, Communications Minister Amy Adams said: “Our use of, and reliance on, technology and broadband connectivity are increasing rapidly. It’s vital that we set aspirational targets to ensure we keep up with this pace of change. This is about setting a vision of where we want New Zealand to be in ten years.”
By 2025, the Government’s vision would see:
- 99% of New Zealanders able to access broadband at peak speeds of at least 50 Mbps (up from 97.8% getting at least 5 Mbps under RBI); and
- The remaining 1% able to access to 10 Mbps (up from dial up or non-existent speeds).
Rural communities are set to benefit most under the new targets which mark a ten-fold increase on the current target peak speeds of 5 Mbps under the Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI), helping to move NZ from 17th in the world for rural connectivity targets to 7th.
Budget 2015 set aside NZ$360 million to extend Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) and the RBI and establish a Mobile Black Spot Fund.
“The targets send a critical signal to industry,” continued Adams. “They will provide guidance for industry investment, regulators and the Government’s broader policy settings. They also recognise the importance we attach to connectivity as a critical enabler of economic growth.”
- The target date aligns with completion of existing connectivity programs:
- RBI Phase One due for completion December 2016;
- 4G rollout requirements due for completion August 2019;
- UFB Phase One build due for completion December 2019;
- UFB Phase Two currently planned for completion 2022 (subject to contract);
- Rural broadband target of 50 Mbps for 99% by 2025.