The planned expansion of ultra-fast fibre connectivity to more than 2000 homes and businesses is a huge step forward for the Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki districts, Coromandel MP Scott Simpson says.
Chorus’ new build programme got underway in mid-February, and is expected to take 18 months to complete.
It will see fibre rolled out to 59 communities across New Zealand in locations adjacent to urban areas or close to the existing Chorus network, from Kerikeri in the north to Winton in the south.
“It means more of our local communities are set to benefit from greater connectivity,” Mr Simpson said.
“Pauanui, Wharekaho, Kuaotunu, Te Mata, Onemana, Little Bay, Opoutere, Kerepēhi, and Whiritoa will soon be able to enjoy all the benefits that access to fast and reliable fibre internet brings.
“Greater connectivity across our communities makes the Coromandel and our region even more attractive for people who want to work, raise their families, or simply visit the best part of our country.”
Chorus’ fibre build programme will be delivered on a staged basis from February, 2024, to June, 2025.
The company said that due to the cost of bringing a fibre network to remote areas, those living in a more rural location would be unlikely to be reached by the programme.
Chorus said the work was expected to be completed by the middle of next year.
The company said it would be targeting “low-hanging fruit”: sites close to the existing network.
“Apart from making economic sense, this is good politics: it can be frustrating for users who are near misses for the existing fibre network,” it said.
The expansion of its fibre network will reach another 10,000 premises throughout New Zealand.
This was the first official move that took the network beyond areas covered by the government’s Ultrafast Broadband programme and the rural extensions, Chorus said.
Around 1.8 million premises or roughly 87 per cent of the population are connected to existing fibre networks.
