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Ultra-fast Broadband on the Way

Tuesday 11 September 2012, 11:54AM

By Wellington City Council

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WELLINGTON CITY

Installing fibre-optic cables underground to bring super-fast broadband to the city

The project is part of the Government's programme to bring ultra-fast broadband to more than 830,000 homes and businesses across New Zealand.

Having ultra-fast broadband means it will be possible to deliver the high data speeds that can support services like internet television and high definition video conferencing.

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says greater access to faster broadband is crucial to the city's future as a Smart Capital.

"While we have good IT infrastructure in comparison to other New Zealand cities, upgrades are essential to achieving our goal to attract and retain world-class digital businesses," she says.

"We've been working to get the Government's ultra-fast broadband rolled out here as quickly as possible and we're delighted to see work getting under way in the CBD."

Over the next few months, ducting to carry the fibre cables will be installed in streets around Pipitea, Thorndon and the central business district by Downer for Chorus and Crown Fibre Holdings. Work will continue next year in other parts of the central city.

With over 22,000 metres of fibre cable to be installed, the work includes constructing 22 new manholes and pits as part of creating a network of fibre cable loops that start and end at the Wellington telephone exchange in Stout Street.

The work involves the creation of some large holes - mainly on footpaths or close to the kerb - and will cause some noise and inconvenience at times. Chorus and its contractors will be working to minimise disruption. For more information, phone 0800 MY FIBRE or go to:

Chorus website