Broadband funding decisions announced

The names of organisations that will be asked to submit full applications to the government’s Broadband Investment Fund (BIF) have been announced.

Fifty-six expressions of interest (EOIs) were received, and 36 were successful. These cover 13 urban areas, 22 rural areas, and one application covers both rural and urban areas.

Community groups worked with suppliers and local government to signal their interest in being involved in BIF programmes.

Applications show a good geographical spread covering cities, provincial and rural areas. There was strong representation in terms of alternative technologies.

Organisations that have been asked to submit full applications need to lodge them by late February 2009, and will hear the result in May.

Applicants had the choice of filing full applications or EOIs. Decisions on full applications (19 were received) are due in early December.

All applicants will receive feedback and confirmation in writing in due course.The names of organisations that have been invited to submit full applications are available at www.digitalstrategy.govt.nz.

All applicants will receive feedback and confirmation in writing in due course.