Final RBI site gives rural broadband boost

 

The final cell site in the nationwide Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) has been switched on in Waipu, marking a major milestone for better rural connectivity.

Since 2011, Vodafone has built 154 new rural cell sites around New Zealand in partnership with the Government and Chorus, with this final cell site delivered three months ahead of schedule.

The initiative allows network access for rural New Zealand communities, providing better connectivity for households and businesses.

Communications Minister Hon. Amy Adams attended the event in Waipu to mark the completion of the RBI build programme.

Members of the Vodafone Warriors were also on hand to celebrate the cell site switch-on at the Waipu Rugby and Squash Club with members of the Northland business community.

Over a video link, Vodafone Warriors Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Issac Luke and Charlie Gubb participated in a question and answer session involving young players from Waipu’s local sporting community.

Waipu Four Square owner and former Vodafone Warrior’s Captain, Steve Price said the new Waipu cell site will have a positive impact on the local community.

“Waipu is a great town with a proud, industrious history and I’m looking forward to watching the local business people harness the power of rural broadband to innovate and grow their businesses,” Steve said.

“We’re really no different to any other urban centre when it comes to the way we use wireless technology. Our phones and computers are an essential part of life and business, whether it is keeping in contact with our family or suppliers, or placing stock orders and doing our accounting in the cloud. We’re pretty excited by what this new cell site will mean for Waipu,” he said.

Vodafone CEO, Russell Stanners, said connectivity and access to high-speed broadband has become essential for Kiwis living and working in rural areas.

“Vodafone remains committed to extended coverage to rural New Zealand, and we will continue to invest in our network so all our customers gain access to the same benefits and opportunities as those living in urban areas".

n Find out if your property is in reach of rural wireless broadband today by visiting: www.vodafone.co.nz/network/rural.

CONNECTED: Pictured at the cell site event is Vodafone Warriors sponsorship coordinator Josh Perkis, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Vodafone CEO Russell Stanners, and Mangawhai Focus representative Melody Tito.