Enable delighted to be building Christchurch UFB network

Enable delighted to be building Christchurch UFB network

The company selected to build the city's ultra-fast broadband network says Cantabrians will reap massive rewards from the largest telecommunications infrastructure project the city will ever see.

"It is particularly pleasing that the Government has recognised the achievements and capability of Enable, and the importance of this project to the future of Christchurch," says Enable Networks Chairman, Bill Luff.

"This broadband network will provide world class performance and reliability and will be a massive enabler of economic and social growth for decades to come. It is a huge investment that will be great for the region."

"We anticipate that for the initial 10 year spend of around $440M, some 1400 jobs will be generated in the region, providing a significant stimulus to local GDP. We haven't seen a local infrastructure project of this scale in our lifetime."

Mr Luff believes Enable's UFB success confirms the decision four years ago by the Christchurch City Council and Christchurch City Holdings Ltd to invest in building a world class broadband network for Christchurch businesses and schools.

Enable has been awarded the contract to construct the Government-backed fibre network to 180,000 premises in Christchurch, Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Woodend, Lincoln, Prebbleton and Rolleston.

Mr Luff says the build will total 3.5 million metres of new fibre optic cable and will be completed well within the Government's network build deadline.

He believes Christchurch has a big advantage over many other cities set to receive UFB networks because Enable has such an extensive fibre network and customer base which it will expand quickly.

"The UFB project will provide significant direct employment opportunities within Enable and we expect to generate over 250 contracting and construction jobs in the next year, which will be a welcome boost to businesses and employment in the city."

Bandwidth requirements for businesses and homes are growing at a fast rate, leading Mr Luff to suggest the UFB investment can't start soon enough.

"Already schools in Christchurch are enjoying Enable's broadband speeds of 1000Mbps which is 100 times faster than many homes and businesses today. Generation Y will demand new services to the home that only a fully fibre network can deliver."

"This is truly a major milestone in the development of our city and our community, and I am proud that Enable can be part of it," says Mr Luff.

ENDS

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