NZ lags in broadband adoption

New Zealand has once again failed to keep up with OECD broadband adoption rates, renewing calls for the Government to speed up changes to regulations.

OECD statistics show New Zealand's 2004 rating for broadband adoption is unchanged from the previous year. The country remained in 22nd place, mired in the bottom 10 with nations such as Hungary, Turkey and Mexico.

On average, broadband penetration in OECD countries increased by 2.95 new subscribers a 100 inhabitants. However, New Zealand managed growth of only 2.15 customers a 100.

Industry observers say real growth will only occur when proper competition is introduced.

"The sooner the regulated unbundled bitstream service that the Commerce Commission is developing comes on board so that we get some competition in this market, the happier we will be," said Ernie Newman, chief executive of the Telecommunications Users Association of New Zealand .

Broadband growth was rapid worldwide, with a 41 per cent increase in subscriptions.

New Zealand had 191,695 broadband subscribers at the end of 2004, or 4.7 a 100 inhabitants, compared to the OECD average of 10.2.