Wednesday, 24 April 2024 14:55

Chorus backs need for rural high speed internet

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Chorus executive general manager of Fibre Frontier, Anna Mitchell Chorus executive general manager of Fibre Frontier, Anna Mitchell

Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.

Chorus executive general manager of Fibre Frontier, Anna Mitchell told Rural News that its copper network has played a pivotal role in their national infrastructure, however, is now approaching end of life.

“The significant uptake in fibre and rise of innovative technologies such as satellite internet, expanded broadband access and regional wireless providers (WISPs), underscores the need for a timely reassessment of the copper network’s role and regulations as we look to retire the network within the decade,” she says.

Her comments come as the Commerce Commission says begins a formal investigation into the future of the copper network.

“Chorus strongly supports this investigation as regulatory settings should evolve as circumstances change,” she says.

“This will allow investment to be directed towards future-proof technologies that meet the changing needs of Kiwi homes and businesses. With many retailers moving away from promoting or selling copper-based services, we’re committed to working collaboratively with the Commerce Commission and other stakeholders to achieve this transition.”

“As New Zealand’s largest telecommunications infrastructure provider and the owner of the national copper network, Chorus believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband,” says Mitchell.

Telecommunications Commissioner, Tristan Gilbertson says the Copper Services Investigation is the first step in the process, scheduled for completion by 31 December 2025.

The investigation could see copper deregulated outside fibre areas.

“Our copper network has been the backbone of telecommunications services for generations and has served us well – as have the regulatory protections wrapped around it. This investigation is about making sure that regulation keeps pace with change and remains fit-for-purpose,” Gilbertson says.

The Copper Services Investigation is focused on determining whether competitive, affordable alternatives to copper exist – and, if so, whether removing or reshaping copper regulation is in the best interests of consumers.

More like this

What's needed to improve rural connectivity?

With the copper network being phased out within the decade, New Zealand needs a long-term approach to ensure rural Kiwis aren't left behind when it comes to connectivity. Anna Mitchell, executive general manager of Fibre Frontier at Chorus, explains the potential of the right connectivity for the rural sector.

Featured

New ag degrees at Massey

Changing skill demands and new job opportunities in the primary sector have prompted Massey University to create a new degree course and add a significant major into another in 2025.

The show is on!

It was bringing in a new Canterbury A&P Association (CAPA) show board, more in tune with the CAPA general committee, that has ensured that Christchurch will have a show this year, says CAPA general committee president Bryce Murray.

National

Food charity to hold online auction

Meat the Need, New Zealand’s dedicated charity delivering locally sourced protein meals to food-insecure communities, is launching an online National…

Machinery & Products

An ideal solution for larger farms

Designed specifically for large farms that want to drill with maximum flexibility, efficiency and power, the new Lemken Solitair ST…

Landpower increases its offering

Landpower and the Claas Harvest Centre network will launch the Claas Scorpion and Torion material handling solutions to the market…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Leaky waka

OPINION: Was the ASB Economic Weekly throwing shade on Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr when reporting on his speech in…

Know-it-alls

OPINION: A reader recently had a shot at the various armchair critics that she judged to be more than a…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter