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Rural Broadband Initiative stories

Spark to close 3G network, makes way for 5G in rural Aotearoa
Unified Communications

Spark to close 3G network, makes way for 5G in rural Aotearoa

Spark will close down its legacy 3G network towards the end of 2025, freeing up limited radio spectrum that will enable its 5G roll out across rural Aotearoa.

By Shannon Williams • 3 min read • Wed, 29th Mar 2023
Spark boosts rural wireless broadband capacity to meet COVID-19 demand
Unified Communications

Spark boosts rural wireless broadband capacity to meet COVID-19 demand

Spark has boosted its rural wireless broadband capacity in a bid to meet demand following the COVID-19 lockdown.

By Shannon Williams • 2 min read • Mon, 6th Jul 2020
Vodafone's Farmside: Rural internet connections triple
Unified Communications

Vodafone's Farmside: Rural internet connections triple

Rural broadband provider Farmside has experienced a 300% increase in new customers following the COVID-19 crisis in New Zealand.

By Shannon Williams • 2 min read • Fri, 5th Jun 2020
Four NZ projects named as finalist in IDC's Asia Pacific Smart Cities Awards
Unified Communications

Four NZ projects named as finalist in IDC's Asia Pacific Smart Cities Awards

Four New Zealand projects, including two from Christchurch City Council, have been named finalists in IDC's prestigious Asia Pacific Smart Cities Awards.

By Shannon Williams • 4 min read • Mon, 23rd Mar 2020
Testing begins at Vodafone's first 5G site in Christchurch
Unified Communications

Testing begins at Vodafone's first 5G site in Christchurch

The new 4G cell site will increase the area's access to communication services, with boosted mobile phone reception and data speeds faster than 3G.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Thu, 26th Sep 2019
Govt escalates rural broadband completion a year ahead of schedule
Unified Communications

Govt escalates rural broadband completion a year ahead of schedule

New Zealand's rural broadband programmes have been accelerated by a year, with completion now expected by the end of 2021.

By Ashton Young • 2 min read • Thu, 31st May 2018
Who provides the best Internet? Broadband Compare Awards are here
Unified Communications

Who provides the best Internet? Broadband Compare Awards are here

The Broadband Compare Awards launch this week in response to the increasingly diversified Kiwi market of more than 100 Internet providers.

By Ashton Young • 2 min read • Wed, 14th Jun 2017
UFB uptake growing steadily, says Govt
Unified Communications

UFB uptake growing steadily, says Govt

Over 1 in 3 NZ homes now enjoy ultra-fast broadband with a 13% surge in the last quarter, according to latest Government figures.

By Shannon Williams • 2 min read • Thu, 16th Feb 2017
Govt announces new RMA standard for telcos
Unified Communications

Govt announces new RMA standard for telcos

The UK Government has introduced new standards to improve connectivity and streamline processes for telecommunications facilities.

By Shannon Williams • 2 min read • Tue, 29th Nov 2016
Spark celebrates switching on its 100th RBI cell site
Unified Communications

Spark celebrates switching on its 100th RBI cell site

Spark celebrates landmark achievement with 100th Rural Broadband Initiative site in Reikorangi, expanding 3G and 4G coverage.

By Sam Worthington • 2 min read • Mon, 22nd Aug 2016
Government and Vodafone agreement means faster speeds and higher data caps for rural NZers
Unified Communications

Government and Vodafone agreement means faster speeds and higher data caps for rural NZers

The new agreement means minimum peak broadband connection speeds under the RBI increase to at least six times the current levels.

By Ashton Young • 2 min read • Tue, 16th Aug 2016
More than 300,000 to benefit as first phase of RBI completed
Unified Communications

More than 300,000 to benefit as first phase of RBI completed

Over 300k homes and businesses in New Zealand benefit from improved broadband, thanks to Government initiative.

By Shannon Williams • 3 min read • Tue, 9th Aug 2016
Spark network provides new IoT wireless solution for farmers
Unified Communications

Spark network provides new IoT wireless solution for farmers

Increasingly, technology is having a bigger part to play in one or our country's biggest earning industries - and for good reason.

By Ashton Young • 2 min read • Thu, 16th Jun 2016

Stories from Other Regions

Rural Broadband Initiative stories

Kiwi health group concerned about Govt. rural broadband pledge
Unified Communications

Kiwi health group concerned about Govt. rural broadband pledge

The Rural Health Alliance of Aotearoa New Zealand applauds the Govt's NZD $270 million rural broadband investment but urges no extra costs for small towns.

By Julia Gabel • 2 min read • Wed, 6th Sep 2017
Kiwi internet speeds soar as UFB rollout nears completion
Unified Communications

Kiwi internet speeds soar as UFB rollout nears completion

Government's Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) programme 75% complete, providing fibre access to over 1 million households and businesses in New Zealand.

By Matthew Bain • 2 min read • Wed, 14th Jun 2017
Kiwis want faster internet, especially in rural areas, survey finds
Unified Communications

Kiwis want faster internet, especially in rural areas, survey finds

New Zealanders are demanding faster internet for their homes, particularly in rural areas, according to a survey by InternetNZ.

By Shannon Williams • 2 min read • Thu, 23rd Mar 2017
Spark supports next phase of Rural Broadband Initiative for Kiwis
Unified Communications

Spark supports next phase of Rural Broadband Initiative for Kiwis

New Zealand telco Spark welcomes the next phase of the Rural Broadband Initiative to improve internet speeds in rural areas.

By Sam Worthington • 3 min read • Thu, 27th Oct 2016
How agritech is transforming New Zealand's agriculture industry
Unified Communications

How agritech is transforming New Zealand's agriculture industry

N.Z. agriculture poised to lead with agritech, as experts spotlight sector's vast potential for growth and transformation, says PAANZ chair Mackenzie.

By Sara Barker • 3 min read • Thu, 22nd Sep 2016