Council submits bid for ultra-fast broadband in Kāpiti

Council has submitted its bid to the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment for the second stage of the government’s ultra-fast broadband rollout.

This follows the government indicating there is money available to increase coverage throughout the country and inviting local councils to put in a bid.

Ōtaki ward councillor Penny Gaylor says this gives Ōtaki, which missed out on the current ultra-fast broadband rollout, another important opportunity to be upgraded

“Our previous rationale for upgrading Ōtaki remains just as relevant.  Access to improved broadband is a must for our businesses, students and the community who would benefit from improved productivity, educational and health outcomes. With high growth expected in the area, support for this initiative in Ōtaki is extremely strong.”

Mayor Ross Church says the Council’s bid makes a compelling case for a share of the $360 million for the next stage of the government’s ultra-fast broadband rollout.

“We’ve taken up Communications Minister Amy Adam’s challenge to convince government they’ll get bang for their buck from their investment in ultra-fast broadband and rural broadband initiatives in the region.”

The government’s bid process requires bidding councils to submit a registration of interest and provide a digital enablement plan.  A copy of the Council’s bid can be found here.

A final decision on which areas of the country will get the funding is expected to be made by the end of this year.