Woosh Wireless: It’s time to deliver broadband

For Immediate Release

Thursday, May 20, 2004

Woosh Wireless: It’s time to deliver broadband

It’s time to stop fighting over the local loop and to get on with the job of delivering broadband to New Zealanders, says Bob Smith, Chief Executive of Woosh Wireless.

“At Woosh, our focus has always been on building a new wireless network that is independent of the wire-based local loop,” he says.

“The reality is we don’t need unbundling to bring consumers real competition. We’re rolling out our own wireless service that gets around the local loop monopoly more effectively than anything else.

“Our success to date – we now have close to 5000 customers in only a few months since launch – proves that this approach is working with hundreds of new customers signing up every week.

“We’re investing in new infrastructure to provide new and better connectivity, and have never relied on regulatory access to existing networks.

“We believe it is competition from new technologies that will drive the uptake of broadband in New Zealand, including competitive pricing. Customers are also demonstrating they want exciting new broadband features including portability and easy low cost installation.

He says that in Auckland the Woosh network has already achieved 70% coverage. Its network coverage of the Wellington CBD rolls out next week and its Southland service is progressing well. The company will be rolling out the Christchurch CBD service next month.

“Our competitive presence has seen the price of broadband move down to levels that are competitive against international benchmarks.

“We think broadband will be in 20% of New Zealand households within 12 to 24 months and that this uptake will be driven by innovative products as much as pricing.

“Our goal is to achieve 80% coverage of the New Zealand market and we are progressing towards that at a rate that is in keeping with our business plan and the constraints of the Resource Management Act.”

ENDS

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