Faster broadband reaching Waikato

Waikato MP Lindsay Tisch is delighted that Pohlen Hospital and Medical Centre and the Matamata Public Library will both be connected to faster broadband in the final phase of National’s $ 300 million Rural Broadband Initiative.

‘‘ This will break down the barriers of distance that rural communities face,’’ Mr Tisch said.

‘‘ Doctors and nurses will be connected to training sessions in big cities, and communities will have access to information and jobseeking tools through broadband in public libraries.’’

Across the country, this phase of the initiative will see 193 provincial schools, 183 rural public libraries, 37 rural hospitals and 10 health centres receiving ultra- fast broadband fibre connections of up to 100 megabytes a second.

The Government is also upgrading 57 remote schools to faster broadband.

This is in addition to phase one of the initiative which is already under way.

‘‘ Many of these institutions have relied on satellite broadband and have managed with small data caps and low speeds.

‘‘ The improved broadband for remote schools will be light years ahead of where they are today,’’ Mr Tisch said.

‘‘ The announcement ensures rural communities will be well connected with the latest technology.

‘‘ Connecting all communities to fast and ultra- fast broadband is a key plank of National’s goal of creating a more competitive and productive economy.’’