Ultra-Fast Broadband will be rolled out to over 1500 businesses, health facilities, schools and homes in Whakatane during the next 18 months.

Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams says government partner Chorus has begun work on building a high-speed fibre broadband network through out the North Island town.

Adams says it is appropriate that work should coincide with New Zealand’s first ever Telework Week.

“There is no reason why skilled staff cannot live in Whakatane but still work for leading companies all over the world,” Adams says.

“Our businesses need to start thinking about how telework opens up new worlds of recruitment possibilities.

“Now it is up to Whakatane to ensure it maximises the opportunity this UFB network will provide.”

The government says UFB will pass over 1500 premises by July 2014, with around 7000 premises in total by the end of the build period.

By July next year, eight schools will be covered by the network. They are:

• Allandale School
• Apanui School
• James Street School
• St Joseph’s Catholic School
• Trident High School
• Whakatane High School
• Whakatane Intermediate
• Whakatane S D A School

Involving a Government investment of $1.35 billion the UFB initiative aims to roll out fibre to schools, hospitals, and 90% of businesses by 2016, with links to homes and remaining businesses completed by 2019.

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