South Island businesses to benefit from fibre

South Island businesses to benefit from Vector’s layer 2 fibre

Vector has extended its open access layer 2 fibre optic services into Christchurch – putting 10Gbit/s speeds within reach of businesses at both ends of the country.

The expansion is due to demand from national customers such as Datacom and Maxnet and international carrier Pacnet.

In ‘lighting’ the fibre at layer 2, Vector says it is enabling multiple service providers of all sizes to deliver services cost-effectively for Christchurch customers.

The move allows Vector to offer its full range of ethernet services in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

As a result, businesses with offices in the three main centres will soon be able to connect to equally fast upload and download network speeds.

Chief Executive Simon Mackenzie says his company has tapped into Christchurch based Enable Networks’ fibre. He believes this is another example of New Zealand Regional Fibre Group members working together to meet customer needs.

Enable Networks has welcomed the offering of services over its fibre and ethernet network – one which is operated on an open access basis.

“We are a firm believer of enabling value for the end customer and we work with over 20 service providers delivering services into Christchurch, Vector being one of them,” says Chief Executive Steve Fuller.

“The integration of the networks was seamless and clearly demonstrated the alignment of technical and operational standards.”

Mr Mackenzie says Vector has offered fibre based connectivity between Auckland and Wellington for nearly a decade now and layer 2 services for over seven years.

“This regional extension has come about by establishing a POP (Point of Presence), or fibre access node, in Christchurch,” says Mr Mackenzie.

“This will be particularly valuable for businesses with offices in both cities as it allows them to operate with greater efficiencies and on a level playing field. Having a Christchurch POP gives us complete control over network variables which means we can ensure consistency and reliability at all times.

“Under the NZRFG construct model it is very easy to establish a national open access fibre network and it is something that can be done efficiently and quickly. You only have to look at our relationships with Enable, CityLink, Kordia, FX Networks, Orcon and others.”

Mr Mackenzie says more regional links can be expected where NZRFG members operate growing fibre networks, while capacity will increase also.

“Tens of thousands of Aucklanders are using Vector’s fibre today – they just don’t know it – and that number will continue to expand quickly as we extend our services into other regions around New Zealand.”

ENDS

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