Vodafone, Spark, and 2degrees collaborate for rural NZ

Date: 23.04.2017

RHAANZ chief executive Michelle Thompson

RHAANZ chief executive Michelle Thompson

Rival digital service providers—Vodafone, Spark, and 2degrees—collaborate to help with rural broadband

A rural health leader says she's thrilled that digital service providers and rivals Vodafone, Spark, and 2degrees are joining forces to help with rural broadband.
Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand (RHAANZ) chief executive Michelle Thompson says it is heartening that the three companies are working together for the common good, so rural people and isolated communities will benefit.

The three service providers have submitted a joint proposal to build and share 520 new cellphone towers that would provide 4G mobile and home broadband and cellphone services to rural areas.

The plan would see the area of New Zealand that was covered by mobile services increase by a quarter and would extend mobile coverage to another 1200km of state highway.

Michelle says rural people need excellent access to modern communication systems so it would increase access to their health and social services, enhance their
rural lifestyles, and enable profitable rural business communities.

"Rural communities depend on reliable and high-quality broadband and mobile connectivity to operate productive businesses, attract and retain employees, maintain social connections, and increase access to high-quality health and social services."

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