Central Government

By working at a local level with local government authorities and community groups, the Government is on track to achieve its objectives of successfully deploying funds to increase the ubiquity of affordable accessible broadband and ultimately develop a series of linked national educational network.

Key objectives:

• The establishment of a national education network that is cost effective, modern, scaleable, of a high standard and supports the educational requirements of New Zealand.
• To see local ‘Broadband Challenge’ (MUSH) networks and KAREN to form the nucleus of the Education National Network.
• Where possible, to drive provision of education content, services and applications.

The 'Broadband Challenge'

The $24m ‘Broadband Challenge’ fund is one of the Government’s core initiatives being implemented as part of its ‘Digital Strategy’ and aims to establish a series of Urban Fibre Networks throughout New Zealand by 2009 to improve the availability and quality of broadband services in poorly served and rural communities.

"Gaining access to affordable, high-speed Internet drives productivity and economic growth.  It is a prerequisite for a 21st century economy – and New Zealand faces some challenges in this area in comparison to other developed economies. High speed ACCESS opens a whole range of new possibilities for all New Zealanders – but without it we won’t be able to maximise our potential."

MED, 2005