Ultra-fast Broadband deployment begins in Tauranga

Ultra-fast broadband has come to Tauranga, with the official deployment launch today.

The deployment is part of the Government’s commitment to invest NZ$1.3 billion to deliver ultrafast broadband to 75 per cent of the population by the end of 2019.

Ultrafast Broadband Limited, the local fibre company joint venture between Crown Fibre Holdings
and the WEL Networks subsidiary, Ultrafast Fibre Limited, is managing the network build and
operation in Tauranga.

Today’s official launch in Tauranga follows that of Wanganui earlier this month and Hamilton in July.
Deployments will commence in Cambridge, Te Awamutu, New Plymouth, Hawera and Tokoroa from
2012. The entire build is expected to take five years, with an estimated value in excess of $300m. Of
this, an estimated $75m of Crown funding will be invested in Tauranga.

“In terms of population, Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s fastest growing cities. This has brought
about a growing demand and appetite for fast broadband, said Ultrafast Broadband Ltd Chair Rodger
Fisher.

Priority One, the economic development agency for Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty, has
said UFB is possibly the single most important element in its strategy to retain, grow and attract
highly productive businesses.

“The area’s industries such as marine, food & beverage and transport will benefit from UFB in many
ways, including improved logistics and better information services,” said Fisher. “UFB will assist the
400 member strong Western Bay of Plenty ICT cluster, and the planned Nautilus technology park
near the Tauranga CBD will be amongst the first areas deployed.”

Under the UFB initiative, fibre will be delivered to priority users such as businesses, schools, health
premises and certain tranches of residential premises by the end of 2015. Once the infrastructure is
completed, residents and businesses will be advised and can contact a retailer to get connected.

To register interest in receiving UFB or for more information on the deployment progress in each of
the candidate areas go to www.ultrafastbroadband.co.nz