NZRFG fibre footprint could top 80% of urban New Zealand

Media Release
8 March 2010

NZRFG fibre footprint could top 80% of urban New Zealand

The Central Fibre Consortium has been shortlisted for prioritised negotiations with Crown Fibre Holdings over the ultra-fast broadband initiative.

The consortium is comprised of Unison, Eastland Group, Horizon, Centralines and Counties Power and is bidding to build urban fibre networks in Napier, Hastings, Taupo, Rotorua, Central Hawkes Bay, Gisborne, Whakatane, Pukekohe, Waiuku, Palmerston North, Feilding and Masterton.

It is just a few weeks since CFH announced it was preparing to hold prioritised negotiations with Vector over the proposed Auckland fibre network build.

NZRFG CEO Vaughan Baker believes the shortlisting of another group member shows the Government has confidence in the NZRFG delivering on the UFB initiative.

“The local ownership and a regional approach to the projects are keys to the success of the UFB initiative and consumers will welcome the added competition open-access fibre networks will bring,” says Mr Baker.

Christchurch fibre network provider Enable Networks (covering Christchurch and Rangiora), and the Flute Joint Venture (covering Dunedin) had earlier joined initial UFB contender Alpine Energy in the preferred bidder list.

If successful in all negotiations, the NZRFG’s UFB fibre network coverage will account for 82% of urban New Zealand. “This is testimony to the expertise our members have developed in world leading fibre network design and construction,” says Mr Baker.

“The NZRFG membership has been entrenched in building fibre networks for many years now, in some cases over a decade. I’m looking forward to further announcements as more progress with discussions between members and CFH continue,” says Mr Baker.

“I think what we are seeing is recognition from the Crown that many of our members are specialist fibre companies who have proven their expertise time and time again.”

“It is pleasing that the Government has remained firm on its belief that these networks are a utility build, and continues to engage utility specialists such as our members.”

Mr Baker says members are committed to continued demonstration of the power and value provided by our collaborative model and working with CFH to reach final agreement on the various urban builds.

Northpower and Ultra Fast Fibre Limited (owned by WEL Networks) were the first NZRFG members to sign contracts to construct urban fibre networks. Northpower is covering Whangarei and UFFL Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Tauranga, New Plymouth, Wanganui, Hawera and Tokoroa.

Northpower’s build was underway before Christmas and will be fast-tracked in April, adding to the substantial fibre network it already has in and around the CBD.

ENDS

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