Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) - News, Features, and Slideshows

News

• N4L taps Telecom for NZ school broadband rollout

  Network for Learning has opened registrations for organisations interested in taking advantage of the N4L network, which will deliver high-speed fibre broadband to New Zealand schools.

• Chorus offers interim VDSL product during NZ fibre rollout

  New Zealand company Chorus – the network infrastructure arm of Telecom until a 2011 demerger – has launched a wholesale VDSL-based offering that will be available from 7 June.

• NZ approves Telecom's open access plan

  New Zealand's telecom ministry has approved Telecom NZ's (ASX:HVN) modified pledge to provide open access to the nation's public-private broadband networks.

• Telecom NZ looks to boost "free cash", reduce capex

  Highlights of the January-March quarter for Telecom include Gen-i winning the Fletcher Building mobile contract from Vodafone, an increase in the dividend from the Southern Cross cable to $NZ23 million, from $14 million last year, and ongoing reductions in capital expenditure.

• Low cost broadband key to NBN uptake

  Having a cost-effective national telecommunications infrastructure is vital if major broadband projects like the NBN are to be adopted by industry and consumers, according to two communications managers.

• Major carriers win NZ rural broadband bid

  Rural broadband in New Zealand is expected to improve from the halfway through this year, with the country’s government awarding major carriers Telecom NZ (ASX: TEL) and Vodafone NZ the tender for its $285 million project.

• NZ shortlists bidders for RBI project

  The New Zealand government has short-listed three proposals, including a joint bid from Telecom NZ (ASX:TEL) and Vodafone NZ, for the government's Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) project.