The rollout of ultra-fast broadband (UFB) to more than 20 towns in Otago and Southland cannot come soon enough for some businesses. In Otago, the fibre network will be extended to 36,000 people in 16 towns or urban fringe areas, giving 80% of Otago residents access to UFB by 2024. In Southland it will be extended to 10,000 people in five towns, giving 70% of residents access to UFB over the next seven years. Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult said high-speed broadband was crucial for the district’s businesses, while residents and visitors expected improving connectivity. The council was discussing ways in which it could harness Cromwell’s fibre for other towns as a temporary solution.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 26, 2017 17:08 UTC