Study helps target broadband investment in Auckland and Bay of Plenty

A new study identifies how investment in broadband in Auckland and the Bay of Plenty can deliver benefits to the businesses and communities in these regions and to the Crown, via the ultra-fast broadband and regional broadband funds.

Urban and rural rollouts are driven by Crown funding priorities to connect schools, hospitals and businesses early with residential connections being completed by the end of the decade. This priority framework sets the basis by which Auckland Council works with suppliers to deliver broadband in a coordinated and economically viable manner.

Auckland Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Tauranga’s economic development agency Priority One commissioned economic consultants BERL to identify the economic sectors in the two regions that will benefit most from the initial introduction of ultra-fast broadband.

The study follows the announcement of the first and second rounds of investment under the urban ultra-fast fibre initiative.

“With over 40% of the country’s population and a similar amount of GDP being generated in Auckland and the Bay of Plenty, securing investment in ultra-fast broadband to businesses and households will be critically important,” said Councillor Cameron Brewer, acting chair of Auckland Council’s Economic Forum.

“We need to work jointly with Chorus and other telcos to invest in broadband delivery across Auckland and Bay of Plenty, but we must be sure that we invest wisely. This study will help us develop a clear idea where the best bang for our buck has the most benefit.”

He added: “A lot of other important social and cultural factors need to be taken into account before a final rollout plan is agreed and we will work with Auckland’s local boards to ensure they are fully consulted before it is finalised.”

The study’s insights will help prioritise the roll out of new fibre capacity for both Crown Fibre and the local fibre companies. This will help to ensure that additional infrastructure capacity is provided first where demand will be highest.

The study emphasises the benefits from providing comprehensive funding of these regions as quickly as possible.