Communications Minister Amy Adams says the completion of the Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) build in Taupō means nearly 13,000 houses, businesses, schools and health facilities now have access to world-class fibre.

“UFB provides communities with the ICT skills they need to grow and innovate. Businesses with a high internet use have double the growth, exports and job creation rates compared to companies with a low web presence,” Ms Adams says.

Together, the Government and Chorus have invested more than $23 million to deliver UFB to Taupō.

Ms Adams said at only four per cent, uptake in Taupō had been slower than other areas but expected this would pick up.

“UFB is a unique and innovative initiative and I encourage people to take advantage of the benefits fibre can deliver. I expect that demand for UFB will continue to grow over the next 12 months as people start to realise the benefits of faster, more reliable connectivity.”

Eleven schools and around 1400 businesses in Taupo now have access to fast internet facilities.
“It’s important our classrooms are part of the digital world. Kiwi kids and schools are really benefiting from ultra-fast broadband. Students are more engaged and are able to easily source and store information online,” Ms Adams says.

“With stage one of the UFB build well advanced, the Government is now progressing the extension of the programme to a further 200,000 New Zealanders, meaning the overall reach of UFB will move from 75 per cent to 80 per cent of all New Zealanders.”