Have your say on rural Western Bay broadband

Western Bay of Plenty residents have three days left to have their say on what is needed to boost broadband in their area.

Since 14 May, almost 700 people have participated in a survey aimed at helping the Western Bay of Plenty District Council secure a potential $360 million in government funding.

Survey link below

The funding, targeted at improved internet connectivity around the country, will be spilt across three areas with $100m going towards extending rural broadband.

Between $152m and $210m will go towards extending ultrafast broadband and $50m to address black spots in the mobile network.

Western Bay of Plenty district mayor Ross Paterson said the survey, open for business and households until 5 June, is the first step in helping Council prove the need for faster internet, primarily in rural communities across the District.

"We have been overwhelmed with the number of surveys completed so far.

"It's great to see our residents and ratepayers are backing us in this endeavour, but it shows there is a clear need for better broadband in parts of the District," said Mr Paterson.

"There are businesses suffering and families unable to perform simple tasks over the internet, because their service is slow or unreliable."

Responses have also helped the council identify mobile 'black spots' in the district - where cell phone coverage is poor or non-existent.

Mr Paterson encourages anyone who hasn't filled in the short survey to do so before it closes on Friday.

Urban area residents are also encouraged to take part.

"It's not too late. Every entry will help us compile a stronger argument to Government later this year." said Mr Paterson.

To complete the survey and learn more about the project, visit www.westernbay.govt.nz/boost-our-broadband