Five years on from the devastating Christchurch earthquakes, the Christchurch rebuild is gaining pace and the thousands of kilometres of fibre optic cables being laid under the city is transforming the way residents work, learn and stay connected.
The NZ$180 million investment into the rollout of Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) program is an important element in rebuilding a smart and sustainable Christchurch.
Commenting on the UFB’s contribution to the Christchurch rebuild, Communications Minister, Amy Adams said: “Christchurch is in a unique position to ensure that buildings are future-proofed and can make the most of the Internet of Things. No other city in New Zealand has the opportunity to build and capitalise on a smart and connected city like Christchurch does.
“The advent of UFB acts as a catalyst for innovative thinking and solutions throughout the Christchurch rebuild, whether it’s new roads, smart transport systems, connected greenfields or the construction of high-tech buildings.”
The UFB roll-out now is 56% complete across Christchurch, with local fibre provider, Enable laying more than 1600 km of fibre across the city. Over 17,500 customers are now connected (nearly 17% uptake). All 154 Christchurch schools are now able to connect to the UFB (145 have connected), as well as 90% of local businesses.
“Cantabrians are taking to UFB with gusto, with almost one-fifth of all orders in New Zealand in December coming from Christchurch alone,” continued Adams. “The UFB rollout is supporting Cantabrians with jobs, with the build project currently employing around 460 people.”