Photo by Chris Roberts - Amuri Net
Taskforce Ltd
A large
representative group of regional wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs),
electricity lines companies and interested organisations has expressed support
for the government’s launch of the next round of the Rural Broadband
Initiative.
The group met last week to discuss innovative solutions to rural
connectivity using the local knowledge and expertise of regional companies,
working collaboratively with mainstream
telcos.
The group was
especially heartened by Minister Adams’ encouragement of bids from network
operators “regardless of size.” This was seen as affirmation that local
operators will be seen as realistic contenders.
There are at
least 30 significant WISPs in various parts of New Zealand who collectively have
tens of thousands of customers. In the past they have operated independently,
but they are in the process of forming themselves into a formal industry group to
ensure their interests are taken seriously by policy makers. Wireless
technology is advancing hugely. WISP operators, with their intimate local
knowledge of topography and their local relationships are extremely well placed
to offer high quality, fast, affordable service to many parts of regional New
Zealand.
Similarly
electric lines companies are uniquely placed to use their existing electricity
corridors to get city grade ultra fast broadband into every place where there
is electricity, on a very cost-effective basis. If as widely anticipated
parliament legislates to remove legal hurdles that inhibit fibre being added to
power lines across private property, in return for the landowner receiving a
fibre connection, a very cost-effective opportunity will be opened up for both
local connections and backhaul services.
Putting together
the capabilities of the WISPs and the lines companies creates an outstanding
opportunity to get fibre, supplemented by wireless broadband, to even the most
remote homes and businesses and over time, make the existing copper lines
redundant.
The meeting was conducted under Chatham House rules. It was attended
by about 60 invited people from WISPs, lines companies, relevant industry
organisations, and government agencies including Crown Fibre Holdings. It was
promoted by Heartland Connectivity Taskforce Ltd and hosted by Whangarei lines company
Northpower which is recognised as a world leader in deploying fibre over power
poles.
-
Further information from Heartland Connectivity Taskforce Ltd –
Chris O’Connell 0226896387 or Ernie Newman 0223764363
No comments:
Post a Comment