Don’t hold your breath waiting for UFB
From page 1.
‘‘We have a high level of telephone contact with customers and business partners. Being able to convert to a reliable and efficient VOIP (voice over internet protocol) system will provide far more flexibility and call management capability, together with a massive saving in cost,’’ he said.
He said UFB will also assist with faster cloud-based back up, faster downloads of information and material used in the business for clients.
Morrinsville Chamber of Commerce chairman Nigel McWilliam has felt the frustration from his membership about the Government dragging its heels regarding a decision over UFB.
An initiative by the Morrinsville chamber to fund its own installation of UFB supported by the business community is a clear vote of ‘‘no confidence in Adams and the Government’’.
Criticism is pointed directly at Adams along with Waikato MP Lindsay Tisch, who are seen as negligible in not delivering a solution to the town’s internet issues.
It follows a perception, that an indication of a resolution was given by Adams at a function in Morrinsville in 2014.
Adams named eight towns at this meeting and indicated Morrinsville and Matamata were strong contenders for inclusion in the UFB roll out prior to June 2016.
When pressed for an explanation, Simpson said Te Aroha was on the list of 36 of small towns being considered to have UFB by either fibre or copper.
‘‘In my electorate I have six towns on the list but I know some are going to miss out.’’
The MP repeated Adams’ comments, that the rollout will be determined following a competitive bid process.
The Government has a ‘‘finite amount of money available’’ which means it was looking for the best deal from the service providers bidding for the installation process.
But also it is looking to local councils and how much ‘‘skin they are prepared to put into the game’’.
‘‘This will determine where a town sits. How much a council is prepared to commit, the higher they will rise on the list,’’ he said.
Telcos (providers) are also putting sharper deals on the communications minister’s desk, delaying decisions further.
‘‘I can understand the frustration businesses have, but I am comfortable with the delays because it means the Government gets a better deal which means the money could be spread further, and in my electorate this could mean more towns get UFB.’’
But Simpson warned there were some areas in the country where it was not financially viable for Chorus to go.
If those areas want UFB they had to finance it like some councils or business have.