Rodney District is a step closer to having improved broadband access with the announcement that the Council’s initial application to the government’s Broadband Investment Fund has been successful.
The government established the Broadband Investment Fund to improve access to high speed broadband in both rural and urban areas.
There were 56 Expressions Of Interest to the fund, of which 36 were successful.
"The government clearly recognised that as one the country’s fastest growing districts we need to have improved broadband services," Mayor Penny Webster says.
"There is huge potential to develop more businesses in Rodney, providing local jobs here, but we need high quality broadband to do that."
Rodney District Council applied for $10 million over a three year period to support local investment in a more competitive broadband network. The Council expects that increased competition will improve the speed of connections and also increase access to broadband in rural areas.
The next stage of the application process is for the Council to develop a full business case by February next year, setting out its proposal.
Council will be consulting with the public on its plans for broadband improvements through its Long Term Council Community Plan, which will be available for public consultation in April 2009.
More information
Contact: Anthony Dow
Phone: 0800 426 5169
Email: Anthony.Dow@rodney.govt.nz