High speed internet access
Broadband and economic development |
Key work streams
Key work streams - Broadband fibre for the isthmus
Economic benefits of fibre
Economic development in any city depends upon excellent, high-tech communication. Although New Zealanders are highly technology literate, broadband internet take-up has been slow. Analysts believe this is at least partly due to access to services.
We recognise the importance of digital connection to ensure economic growth in Auckland across all sectors. We have resolved to increase access and competition in broadband.
During 2008 a number of leading agencies and advocates published studies of the opportunity afforded to New Zealand through enabling high speed fibre deployment. A key study series was concluded by the New Zealand Institute estimated that the benefits New Zealand could derive from the provision of a weightless economy was in excess of $3.5 Billion per annum. Further, they proposed that development of this capability would position New Zealand to access new markets and effectively compete in the new age.
Additionally central government refreshed the digital strategy and set out a number of funded projects in the categories collaboration, connection, capability, confidence, content that will progress New Zealand's digital capability.
Our role
Auckland City Council's focus to achieve broadband fibre deployment in the isthmus is on advocacy and facilitation, rather than directly building and operating broadband infrastructure. To achieve this, we are working to understand and prioritise areas that require broadband connectivity.
In addition, we continue to work with the region and central government to access available funds for urban fibre projects:
- during the last year we have made a number of submissions to central government in key areas of the telecommunications space. Our focus in these submissions has been to achieve open access principles, facilitate private sector expansion, develop an environment that avoids overbuild and duplication and to support initiatives that build depth in the product and service layers of the telecommunications market. The submissions were on the following topics:
- Telecom separation draft determination
- 3.5Ghz Spectrum Auction
- Draft Digital Strategy
- Broadband Incentive Fund draft criteria.
We also intend facilitating the development of broadband enabled products and services, through industry engagement and sector development.
To achieve our broadband aspirations we are currently working on projects that deliver in all or part in the following three key areas:
- collaborate with industry to deliver high-speed, contiguous broadband efficiently
and deeply into Auckland
- collaborate with our communities and other territorial local authorities to enable connected communities capable of linking with each other to leverage knowledge
and innovation
- facilitate economic transformation and social objectives through demand aggregation.
Next steps
During 2008, Auckland City Council led an Auckland Regional Expression of Interest (EOI) for broadband fibre deployment funding under Labour’s Broadband Investment Fund. This EOI included an industry provider, Manukau and Waitakere City Councils.
While this EOI was accepted to move to full bid, development is currently on hold pending direction from National on the criteria to participate in their $1.5 billion broadband fund.
In 2009 we will focus on advocating for and attracting as much public and private funding for broadaband fibre deployment into Auckland.
Updated January 2009
