Wait for UFB too long

Businesses in a Waikato town remain crippled by the lack of 21st century technology.

Tired of waiting for the Government to act, one business in Morrinsville has decided to install its own ultra fast broadband network.

Another has left town because it can’t operate with current level of internet service.

Business leaders are lobbying their political candidates in the hope they’ll get a better deal after this year’s general election.

Major agricultural dealership Piako Group is in the throws of Is your business struggling on the current level of internet service? Visit our Neighbourly.co.nz page to have your say or send your thoughts to our reporter Mike Bain: mike.bain@fairfaxmedia.co.nz installing its own UFB network.

Dealer principal Darrell Russell said the investment was significant but wouldn’t disclose the amount.

‘‘We elected to front the cost to install UFB simply because we could no longer afford to wait until the Government’s roll out in 2020,’’ said Russell.

‘‘To wait was ridiculous, we need it now in order to compete in the market.’’

Other businesses have been forced to do the same.

Morrinsville Chamber of Commerce president Nigel McWilliam confirmed at least one business had left Morrinsville because it needed UFB to operate.

‘‘For Morrinsville to be able to retain businesses and attract new players into the market, we need to be able to offer them 21st century technology,’’ he said.

‘‘We have already lost one business to Hamilton as a direct result and I amsure it won’t be the last.’’

The chamber approached Chorus, the company responsible for the UFB roll out, to identify a cost for UFB to be available to the business sector.

Chorus proposed a $1.4 million price tag which would see UFB available to 517 businesses.

‘‘Under this proposal it will still cost each business $2740 for a connection,’’ said McWilliam.

‘‘Morrinsville needed access to this technology yesterday.’’

The chamber met with MPs to press its case for a better deal.