Published on the 03/02/2010 | Written by Newsdesk
Survey finds a need for more consistency of service. Regional service providers promise to deliver…
Businesses across the country are struggling with inconsistent, and at times non-existent, broadband services, according to a survey conducted by service provider Northpower.
Northpower, a member of the New Zealand Regional Fibre Group, surveyed a sample of Whangarei businesses and says the results of its poll show a need for far greater consistency and reliability of broadband connections.
“The purpose of the survey was to seek clarification over broadband requirements from local businesses – those already on our fibre network and many who are not,” says Northpower fibre manager Darren Mason.
Northpower says in partnership with TelstraClear, it is providing download and upload speeds of 100Mbit/s to some central Whangarei businesses – speeds significantly faster than the copper broadband around the city.
The company says many businesses in the city are pinning their hopes on the Government’s ultra-fast broadband initiative to allow organisations such as local lines and fibre companies establish extensive regional fibre networks, catering for urban and rural customers.
Other members of the New Zealand Regional Fibre Group say they have received similar feedback – that business owners across the country want a decent broadband service to communicate across.
Enable CEO Steve Fuller says the theme is replicated in Christchurch.
“There are three key dynamics that our customers want.
They want something that is affordable, broadband that really works and that will always work. Basically they want broadband that does what it is supposed to do,” Fuller says.
Ten companies within the NZRFG have fibre networks underway – Vector, Aurora Energy, CityLink, Counties Power, Electricity Ashburton, Network Tasman, Unison and Velocity.
“Fibre is revolutionary. It will change our social and business landscape in a phenomenal way. It is going to be great for New Zealand and be of immense value to future generations,” says Mason.
