Hon Amy Adams Minister for Communications and Information Technology
7 December 2012	Media Statement

Ultra-Fast Broadband build underway in Oamaru

 

Chorus, one of the Government’s Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) partners, today began work to build a high-speed fibre broadband network in Oamaru.

Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams says more than 5700 schools, businesses, health facilities and households in Oamaru will be covered by the UFB network when the project is finished.

“Provincial New Zealand has the most to gain from this world-class technology. The barriers of distance and time will be almost completely removed by UFB, opening up new and exciting opportunities for Oamaru,” Ms Adams says.

“I am looking forward to seeing how the region grasps the opportunity that this UFB network will provide.”

Eight schools will receive a fibre connection, including two by July next year – Pembroke School and Oamaru Intermediate.

“High-speed fibre broadband will mean more students at Oamaru schools will be able to share resources like physics and IT teachers.

“Students will be able to take part in virtual classrooms and courses that might not be available at their own schools.”

The UFB initiative involves Government investment of $1.35 billion – alongside private sector funding – to roll out fibre to schools, hospitals, and 90 per cent of businesses by 2016, and links to homes and remaining businesses completed by 2019.

Media contact: Nathan Beaumont 021 243 8412