Press release:

 

With small business owners across New Zealand bearing the brunt of COVID-related downturns, internet services provider Orcon has stepped up with an offer of six months’ free broadband for those who have seen trade taper off through the pandemic.

 

Designed to bring relief, the offer is contract-free, obligation-free, and available from today.

 

Orcon’s Taryn Hamilton acknowledges tough times for many businesses, particularly those in Auckland and other locked down locations in the Waikato and Northland. “The pandemic is dragging on with Delta and putting severe strain especially on small retailers, restaurants, tourism operators and others.

 

“While there have been resurgence payments and wage subsidies, the bills don’t go away. We’re stepping up to do our part by giving every qualifying business free Orcon broadband for a full six months as a show of solidarity and to help ease the burden.”

 

Widely recognised as the backbone of the local economy, Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) figures show that small businesses – defined as those with fewer than 20 employees – dominate the market. The Ministry estimates there are around 530,000 such firms, comprising 97 percent of all companies. Small businesses also provide 28 percent of employment and generate more than a quarter of the nation’s gross domestic product.

 

The Orcon offer is open to any small business which has suffered hardship owing to the pandemic, and which has qualified for the Resurgence Support Payment, Wage Subsidy or Small Business Cash Flow Loan Scheme. An Orcon Fibre Pro plan, which is the internet service provider’s ‘designed for business’ plan, is provided for six months, with no contract and no obligation at the end of the period when customers can continue their connection with Orcon or terminate it.

 

Orcon is waiving shipping fees on any required hardware. As Orcon is also a power retailer and mobile services provider, all customers taking advantage of the free broadband offer can select and bundle additional services as required.

 

“The connection itself is totally free, and completely without obligation – though we are confident that once you experience Orcon, you won’t want to leave,” Hamilton notes.

 

Applying for free Orcon connectivity for six months is easy, says Hamilton. “Just visit our website, enter your NZ Business Number to validate the status of your organisation, and acknowledge that your company meets the eligibility criteria. We know it’s an incredibly difficult time, so we’ve worked to make the offer fast and stress-free, and our teams are ready to get you connected and saving money without delay.”

 

Orcon hasn’t forgotten existing business customers under strain, either. All those who meet the criteria are invited to apply for an ongoing 10% discount.