Concerns over Zone 3 schools missing out on ultra fast broadband in initial rollout

InternetNZ, the Telecommunications Users Association of New Zealand (TUANZ) and Federated Farmers have expressed concern that a substantial number of schools and students in Zone 3 may be missing out on fibre connections in the initial rollout of the Government’s broadband programmes.

The three organisations have written a letter to Education Minister Anne Tolley and ICT Minister Steven Joyce. This letter was tabled in the House on Wednesday, 18 May 2011 by the Labour Party. The letter with detailed analysis has therefore been released today at http://bit.ly/jXmNhw.

The analysis has been put together by independent consultant Jonathan Brewer, from multiple public sources. Further analysis indicates that 90 percent of the schools missing out are within 2 km of existing Chorus fibre.

The three organisations have said that while there may be minor errors in the data and analysis, the message is clear. It seems likely that a substantial number of schools and students falling outside the boundaries of UFB (Ultra Fast Broadband) and RBI (Rural Broadband Initiative) will be missing out on the benefits of ultra fast broadband in the initial rollout compared to those in urban and remote areas. It is an anomalous public policy outcome that can be fixed at relatively modest cost.

The three organisations have sought clarification from Ministers and asked about options for ensuring these schools in Zone 3 do get connected. We await the response on solutions.