Increased investment announced in rural connectivity
New Zealand’s primary sector will benefit from the recent $325 million announced
The recent announcement of a new investment of $325 million in rural broadband and internet connectivity will benefit New Zealand’s primary sector.
"A $325m new investment in rural connectivity is impressive and certainly needed," Federated Farmers national vice president and telecommunications spokesperson Andrew Hoggard says.
The additional funding will be for the Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI2) and Mobile Black Spot Fund (MBSF).
"In the last seven years, we’ve seen investment and commitments to rural connectivity from the government and industry combined grow to more than $650 million.
"This new investment is an opportunity akin to the reforms of the 1980s. It is a step change for farm business, this time emerging from opportunity rather than desperation," Andrew says.
More investment in these areas will lead to better connectivity, allowing for opportunities to diversify into other businesses such as tourism, creative industries, and professional services.
"This investment provides certainty to rural businesses and farms. Many can look forward to better and fast services in the not too distant future.
"We will be looking to work with the successful bidders and our members to get the roll-out happening better, faster, and further," Andrew says.
Source: Federated Farmers
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