Residents and businesses in the Invercargill, Wanganui, New Plymouth and Tauranga areas can now access the country’s new $1.5bn ultra-fast broadband (UFB) network, thanks to internet company Orcon.The announcement sees those residents and businesses with fibre installed in their streets join 13 other areas now capable of accessing the new fibre-optic network via Orcon.

UFB transmits data over fibre optic cables at higher speeds than traditional copper technology, and Orcon is excited by the possibilities the change will open up.

Orcon GM Taryn Hamilton says: “Fibre is going to revolutionise the way we lead our lives – from entertainment, to education, to social services, and especially business. We want people to experience how exciting UFB is, tell their friends, and get the fever for this fantastic new technology. It's the way of the future, and is the best way to deliver all the great things the internet has to offer.

“We’re convinced that ultra-fast broadband will make businesses more competitive, and people in these areas can find out if fibre is in their street and sign up for UFB, by visiting www.orcon.net.nz/fibre.”

For NZ$75 a month Orcon residential customers receive a fibre-capable Orcon Genius modem, Homeline, 30GB of data and national landline-to-landline calls. A plan with unlimited data and national landline-to-landline calls will costs NZ$99. Business and schools’ plans start at NZ$129 plus GST a month.