The Government has announced Ultra-Fast Broadband will be extended to an additional 13 towns and 1 fringe area in Southland, providing 4,500 households and businesses with access to world-class broadband, Sarah Dowie, MP for Invercargill, says.
The rollout will also be speeded up, completing the entire network by 2022.
“This is fantastic news for Southland and Invercargill. World-class broadband is a vital part of the Government’s plan in supporting our regional growth and developing Southland’s productivity and competitiveness,” Sarah Dowie says.
“Fast and reliable internet connects our communities and businesses to each other and the rest of the world.
“The entire UFB build in Southland will be complete by the end of 2022, providing more than 42,000 Southland households and businesses with faster internet.
“The Government’s total investment in Southland and Otago UFB connectivity is $152.4 million.
“This investment is already opening new opportunities for Southland by improving our schools and healthcare and future-proofing our regional economy.”
The Government is investing up to $140 million to extend the Rural Broadband Initiative across the country and to provide mobile coverage through the Mobile Black Spot Fund to around 1000 kilometres of state highways and more than 100 tourist areas.
“A further 5,287 households and businesses in Southland will receive new rural fast broadband coverage,” Ms Dowie says.
“Exact coverage areas are to be determined. Crown Fibre Holdings will be working with partners to carry out more detailed planning over the coming months.
“Two state highways in Southland will also receive new mobile coverage. Approximately 37kms will be covered across State Highway 6 and 94.
“Furthermore, Southland will receive new mobile coverage for 11 tourism areas so our tourism industry can continue to experience strong growth.
“We want to ensure that every Southlander takes advantage of the benefits that connectivity offers.”
New Southland towns & fringe areas:
- Blackmount/Manapouri
- Edendale
- Lumsden
- Mill Road
- Mossburn
- Nightcaps
- Ohai
- Otautau
- Riversdale
- Tokanui
- Tuatapere
- Waikaia
- Wallacetown
- Wyndham
- Chorus UFB2 fringe
New Southland mobile black spot tourism areas:
- Around the Homer Tunnel
- Curio Bay
- Dipton
- Entrances/exits to Milford Track
- Entrances/exits to Routeburn Track
- Knobs Flat
- Milford Sound
- Mirror Lake
- Niagara (Catlins) Southern Scenic Route
- Porpoise Bay
- Te Anau Downs