Applications for broadband funding close soon

Applications for broadband funding close soon

Applications for a $340 million fund aimed at accelerating investment in broadband close in two weeks’ time.

The new Broadband Investment Fund (BIF) contains $325 million operating and $15 million capital funding available over a maximum of five years and is part of the government’s $500-million Digital Strategy 2.0 package.

      The BIF will be used to accelerate broadband investment in three areas:

·         facilitating high-speed broadband to businesses and entities such as municipalities, universities, schools and hospitals in urban centres;

·         extending the reach of broadband into underserved regions, particularly in the rural sector; and 

improving the resilience of New Zealand’s international connections.
Community groups are already working with suppliers and local government to signal their interest in being involved in BIF programmes.

Applications and expressions of interest close on 30 September 2008.

More details and application packages on the Broadband Investment Fund can be found at: www.digitalstrategy.govt.nz. Potential applicants should call 0508 BROADBAND (0508 276232) or email broadband.investment@medgovt.nz

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