Bay Broadband helps advance region’s digital technology

Wednesday 29 August 2007

Holding a video conference with your GP or downloading video clips quickly from the web sound like impossible tasks.

But they could become reality with the assistance of Bay Broadband.

Bay Broadband is a strategy being planned by Environment Bay of Plenty and the region’s seven councils to improve broadband service.

Miles McConway, Environment Bay of Plenty group manager Technology & Science, says enhancing the region’s fibre cable network and wireless service would improve coverage and help boost the region’s economic growth.

“The Bay’s outdated copper network, geographical spread and lower population densities discourages telecommunication companies from making a significant investment in the region.”

“But we want to reverse this and make the Bay an attractive place to invest.”

To achieve this, a cross-council project team will research how to improve investment return and reduce investment costs for broadband providers. They will also ensure councils support future broadband investment.

“For Bay Broadband to be successful we will also partner with local and national organisations. We don’t want to become telecommunications companies ourselves but attract these companies to the region.”

The region’s councils launched the strategy 12 months ago to ensure the Bay of Plenty would not miss out on a comprehensive broadband service.

Already, the project team has researched what has contributed to the lack of broadband development, what stakeholders are affected and how the situation can be improved. The completed research marks stage one of the strategy. A full report on these findings can be accessed at www.envbop.govt.nz, along with newsletters updating people interested in the project.

“We have also recently consulted with councils and have a strong mandate to develop Bay Broadband further.”

Stage two is underway and will be looking in more detail to how the Bay councils can bring the broadband dream to reality.

ENDS

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