Boost To Broadband Coverage On The West Coast

Telecom Gives Big Boost To Broadband Coverage On The West Coast

News today that Telecom has won the Project PROBE tender for the West Coast will help Telecom bring broadband coverage to 83% of the community.

Telecom’s Southern Regional Manager Paul Deavoll says 60% of the region can access broadband at the moment.

“Broadband availability opens up great opportunities for businesses, education, farming and families,” Paul Deavoll said.

“At the moment on the West Coast 37% of schools are covered by broadband - under PROBE that will be 100% coverage.

“Already businesses and locals are benefiting from the advantages of high speed internet. For example the Christchurch Radiology Group (CRG) offers remote diagnosis services to medical staff on the West Coast. The group’s team of 20 specialist radiologists are on call 24/7 to receive digital images over Telecom’s Jetstream broadband link to help West Coast patients.

“The potential use for schools is also huge. High schools in a number of regions in New Zealand are linking up for lessons using video-conferencing. Students can study subjects their own school doesn’t offer and teachers who may otherwise leave for the cities can remain in rural areas.

“With broadband there’s no need to dial-up each time you want to use the internet – it’s ready to go when your PC is on. Information is downloaded up to fifty times faster than a regular dial-up connection and you can use the phone and the Internet at the same time on one phone line.

“Telecom is committed to increasing mobile coverage for the region. Our new site at Arthur’s Pass was installed this year and we’re planning to extend coverage further with sites at Lake Brunner and Mt Hercules.

“Telecom has invested more than $26 million in infrastructure and community support on the West Coast over the past five years. We’re committed to helping improve the lifestyle of everyone in the area through the benefits broadband can offer. Telecom is here for the long haul and to provide the best quality services we can,” Paul Deavoll said.

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