MP Welcomes Significant Ultra-Fast Broadband Expansion To Clutha-Southland Towns
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More Clutha-Southland businesses, schools, and homes will have access to faster and more reliable internet, says Clutha-Southland MP Todd Barclay.
The Government announced today that the Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) programme will be extended to 151 additional towns across New Zealand.
In Clutha-Southland, Te Anau, Winton, Arrowtown, Lake Hayes Estate, Arthurs Point, Jack’s Point, Milton and Balclutha will receive fibre under the extension.
Additional Chorus fibre is also being rolled out in Gore and Mataura, to more than 13,000 people.
“This expansion is great news for the country, and especially great news for Clutha-Southland,” Mr Barclay says.
“Once this build is complete, all of Clutha-Southland’s major towns will have access to UFB.”
In Otago, $30.1 million will be spent bringing fibre access to fifteen areas, and a total of over 36,000 people, and in Southland, $13.3 million will be spent bringing fibre access to five areas in the region, and a total of over 10,000 people.
“Improved connectivity is crucial for Clutha-Southland to help grow our regional economy, drive innovation, and support our local education and health services,” Mr Barclay says.
“Broadband speed is easily one of the most common issues I see coming through my offices, and improved speed and access across Clutha-Southland is something I’ve been lobbying for in Wellington since becoming an MP, so it’s great to have further commitment as more and more people move to internet-reliant lifestyles.”
The build is already complete in Queenstown with thousands of people already enjoying the benefits of improved connectivity.
Mr Barclay hosted former Communications Minister Amy Adams in Queenstown last year to mark the completion of the build.
“Thousands of households and businesses are already making the most of the UFB network since phase one of the rollout,” Mr Barclay says.
“It’s great that so many more people will be able to reap the benefits of a world-class broadband service through phase two.
“I want to acknowledge Communications Minister Simon Bridges, and former Communications Minister Amy Adams, for the great work they have done in this area to make this possible.”
Mr Barclay is encouraging all those who can access UFB to connect.
“Across the country connectivity is about 30 percent so I strongly encourage people who can to connect and reap the benefits,” Mr Barclay says.
Two events marking the announcement were held in Clutha-Southland today. Mr Barclay joined Crown Fibre Holdings director Jack Matthews at Lake Hayes Estate, while Hon Jacqui Dean attended an event in Te Anau.
More information, including a full list of the towns and other areas that will be receiving access to fibre in the region and an indication of timing for the rollout, is available at broadband.govt.nz