18 May 2015
Taupo District Council is looking to register the district's interest in a Government-funded programme aimed at enhancing New Zealand's connectivity and narrowing the digital divide.
The Government has set aside national funding to assist with expansions from the Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI), Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB) and Mobile Black Spots Funds. It is engaging assistance from local authorities in order to achieve the best outcomes.
The funding will be split across three areas with $100m to extend rural broadband, between $152m and $210m to extend ultra-fast broadband, and $50m to address black spots in the mobile network.
Taupo District residents are being asked to complete a survey on broadband and cellular phone coverage across the district to help determine the areas improvement is needed most.
Mayor David Trewavas said access to improved broadband and mobile infrastructure can encourage business productivity across a range of local sectors and industries, improve health and education outcomes, enhance service delivery, and increase social connectivity.
By gaining a better understanding of broadband and mobile coverage, the registration could target the areas where it was needed most, he said
This could be the difference between connectivity and isolation for many communities in our district, and it's important we know who needs ultra-fast broadband the most.
We also want residents and visitors to our district to be able to use mobile devices wherever they are and we know there may be black spots that need to be remedied.
The survey can be accessed online here and hard copies are available at council offices. The survey closes at 5pm on Wednesday, May 27.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410
Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549
Taupo District Council
www.taupo.govt.nz
