Government readies for new broadband moves

Communications and Information Technology Minister Steven Joyce has moved to “clear the decks” of the previous government’s broadband programmes in preparation for the next move towards roll out of ultra-fast broadband.

The Broadband Investment Fund (BIF), suspended at the time of the election, will not proceed, and funding for the Digital Development Council and Forum (DDC) will be withdrawn immediately.

Mr Joyce said the BIF was not compatible with the government’s roll out of ultra-fast broadband to premises - it had its own specific set of criteria and was not focused on the key objective of achieving widespread ultra-fast broadband.

Funding for the DDC has been withdrawn because it is the government’s intention instead to work directly through the relevant industry groups.

Mr Joyce said the government remains committed to engaging with the groups represented by the DDC, but believes that direct interface is a more effective means of receiving input and advice from those organisations.

Mr Joyce said he will be announcing next steps towards the roll out of ultra-fast broadband in the near future. Discussions were being held with stakeholders and an options paper would soon be presented to Cabinet.