Last month, the Government announced its decision to extend funding for the Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) and Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) programmes, and to establish a new Mobile Black Spot Fund (MBSF).  This is a significant opportunity for mobile and broadband coverage to be expanded to many more communities across New Zealand.

The economic and social benefits of better connectivity would have a positive impact of Waitomo’s businesses, schools, health care and emergency services.

WDC would like to play an active role and apply to central government to prioritise the installation of Ultra Fast Broadband in the district.

This will involve the preparation of a Registration of Interest (ROI), supported by various WDC staff from the areas of regulatory/ planning, asset management, policy, communications and finance staff.

The application aims to get the Waitomo District prioritised on the list of districts to receive Ultra fast broadband.

More information is available via the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website.