Council is working with the Rural Connectivity Group (RCG) to improve telecommunications infrastructure in our region.

The result will be improved mobile phone coverage and high-speed wireless broadband access to areas that currently have limited or no services.

Parts of the region have a lack of connectivity due to the rural terrain, low population and lack of commercial viability for mobile operators.

Improved connectivity is a key outcome to support the Tairāwhiti Economic Action Plan.

Council is helping to progress this project through planning advice and support.

RCG is using joint funding from the Government’s Rural Broadband Initiative Phase 2 and Mobile Black Spot programmes, as well as from Spark, Vodafone and 2Degrees. The new rural infrastructure will allow all providers of mobile and broadband services to bring their offerings to residents.

The first phase of the project is identifying suitable build locations so services can reach the highest number of rural households and improve mobile coverage on State Highways and key tourist destinations.

The RCG are keen to work with all involved parties, including iwi, hapu, whanau, DoC, NZTA, landowners, local businesses and suppliers.

RCG engagement manager Caitlin Metz says that by 2022 the infrastructure they build will benefit at least 30,000 rural homes and businesses.

“That means 1000 kilometres of state highways gain mobile coverage; and at least 90 top New Zealand tourist destinations will be connected.”

ENDS

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