Move to unblock UFB strikes at property rights

Rights will shift in favour of people who want to get connected to ultrafast broadband and away from landowners who might withhold consent, under a Government plan.

The changes are designed to tackle instances where people living in apartment buildings, down shared driveways and on back sections have had to wait several months to get connected to ultrafast broadband (UFB), or been blocked from getting connected altogether.

Telecommunications firms currently need written permission from all parties before they can lay UFB down shared rights-of-way such as some driveways.

But under the changes that have been put out for consultation, property owners could be deemed to have given their consent to the necessary civil works, unless they voiced an objection.

A potentially more controversial, additional change could see network builders given the automatic right to string up UFB cables across people’s properties, alongside existing cables, with property owners getting no right to refuse. Network-builders might also be allowed to go on to private land to string up fibre-optic cables.

The discussion paper issued by Communications Minister Amy Adams suggested creating a ‘‘disputes resolution service’’ to handle access disputes.

The proposed changes were designed to strike a new balance, she said.

‘‘It’s important . . . to ensure that affected consumers who wish to connect to this world-class service can do so in a timely and straightforward manner.’’

The Business, Innovation and Employment Ministry acknowledged the proposals would impact ‘‘the rights that owners have over their property’’.

Chorus, the country’s largest UFB network builder, was quick to welcome the proposals, saying they represented a ‘‘good balance’’.

The Telecommunications Forum and Internet NZ also voiced support for the proposals.

Submissions on the proposals close on July 24. About one in 20 requests to connect to the UFB network are failing because of consenting issues, says the Business, Innovation and Employment Ministry.

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