Chorus : Thames ready to connect to Ultra-Fast Broadband network

Published 07/11/2017

Ultra-fast broadband has come to Thames, with the first area of town now ready to connect to the new Chorus network.

Thames-Coromandel District Mayor Sandra Goudie has welcomed the news and is very enthusiastic about what it means for Thames.

'Fantastic! Hello world. This is better than rocket fuel for our district,' she said.

'We are incredibly excited about the difference for doing business and keeping in touch.'

The first area ready to be connected is near the heart of the township and means businesses and anyone living in the zone can take advantage of all that fibre has to offer.

Fibre provides a reliable, consistent experience even at the busiest time of day. With a dedicated line, it isn't just about getting things done online much faster. It's about multiple people being able to do everything they like online, all at the same time.

Chorus Network Strategy Manager Kurt Rogers says: 'UFB has the potential to transform New Zealand's economy, our communities, and the way we connect to the rest of the world, so we are really looking forward to seeing how the Thames community can take advantage of having world-class connectivity right on their door step.

'New Zealanders are downloading, streaming TV and gaming at a huge rate.

'As Chorus crosses the country laying fibre, more Kiwis can, and are, taking advantage of our faster, more reliable broadband connections.'

While Chorus provides the technology, it does not sell broadband plans directly and instead works with phone and broadband service providers to get people connected.

Once Chorus has built the fibre network down the street, orders for a fibre connection can be placed with a chosen broadband provider. The broadband provider then guides people through ordering, installation and their monthly plans and charges, as well as any other costs that may apply. The broadband providers process the order and send it to Chorus to carry out the connection and installation work.

The impact of fibre on businesses and the economy has also started to gain a momentum that can be felt in many communities around the country. Now it is Thames' turn, with build for the whole town due to be completed by June, 2018.

Go to broadbandcompare.co.nz to find a plan that is right for you and if you can't wait for fibre go to askforbetter.co.nz to see if you are getting the best broadband that you possibly can.

ENDS

For more information:

Nathan Beaumont

Stakeholder Communications Manager

021 243 8412

Note to journalists:

Attached are maps showing the area where the UFB build has been completed and the area still being done.

Slide1 shows the area where UFB services are now available.

Slide2 shows the area where UFB network is available (left hand side) and on the right hand side it shows the same area (in blue) within the whole build area for Thames