broadband - NZ National Party

Building faster broadband

National is rolling out ultra-fast broadband to schools, hospitals, business, and homes around the country.

By 2020 we will deliver ultra-fast broadband to 75 per cent of all New Zealanders where they live, work, and study.

What we’re doing

Ultra-fast broadband is crucial to National’s plan to boost our infrastructure and build a stronger economy.

Our rural broadband initiative and ultra-fast broadband roll out will mean that 97.8 per cent of households will have access to broadband of 5 megabytes per second (Mbps) or faster, with 75 per cent having access to 100Mbps.

We’re investing $1.35 billion for ultra-fast broadband in urban areas. We’ve worked out a deal that will deliver broadband speeds of up to 100 Mbps to most New Zealanders by 2020.

We’re also investing $300 million for rural broadband – that means high-speed broadband to areas not covered by the UFB programme. It will deliver broadband speeds of five Mbps.

The plan

Over the next three years, we’re focusing on getting both ultra-fast and high-speed broadband to schools, health premises, and businesses.

Combined, the ultra-fast broadband plan and rural broadband initiative will see 97.7 per cent of schools and 99.9 per cent of students connected to fibre with speeds of at least 100Mbps by 2015.

The remaining 60 remote schools will be connected by wireless or satellite connections.

More than 6000 health premises able to access broadband speeds of 100 Mbps plus.

Schools, hospitals and 90 per cent of businesses covered by 2015.

High-speed or ultra-fast broadband to 75 per cent of New Zealanders where they live, work, and study before 2020.

What this means for you

Your home

Most people will see vastly improved services, such as having your home phone over the internet and 30 Mbps download speeds, for about the same price as we pay now or less. That’s a huge improvement.

New communication possibilities including high definition video conferencing with relatives, on-demand high definition TV, and even 3D video and gaming.

Schools

Schools will be able to share scarce resources such as physics and IT teachers.

Tertiary students will be able to engage remotely, through high definition video conferencing and real-time collaboration.

Doctors and hospitals

Health providers will be able to send X-rays in seconds, rather than days via courier, saving time, money, and ultimately, lives.

Patients will have a greater ability to engage with specialists remotely, either at home or at a local GP clinic.

Businesses

Local exporters will be better connected to their markets.

Professionals such as accountants, lawyers, and advisors will be able to offer their services to national and international clients.

See what’s happening in your region

Visit www.broadbandmap.govt.nz to see what's going on in your area.

Who we’re working with

The Government is working with local companies and authorities around New Zealand to roll out our ultra-fast broadband network. This means local people working on local projects to boost our local communities.