Neighbours split over council broadband plan

Sarona Fune is unhappy about her broadband coverage. Photo / Doug Sherring

Plans to bring Auckland's broadband network into the future have divided some neighbourhoods.

Work has started on the Government's 8 year, $1.5 billion ultra-fast broadband package, and five priority areas have been targeted: Albany, Avondale, East Tamaki, Grey Lynn/Herne Bay and Remuera.

In Remuera, the cut-off is along Remuera Rd. The wealthy northern slopes got in first for the upgrade and their southern neighbours have to wait. Some people are crying foul at being excluded in the initial roll-out.

Beauty salon Garden of Eve is on the southern side of Remuera Rd, and will not be included at the outset.

"We definitely would have a bit of a problem [with it]," said manager Sarona Fune, as fast broadband was needed for business emails and banking.

On the other side of the road, interior designer Christian MacMillan-Adams said her broadband was adequate and the budget should be spent on more important things, such as improving Auckland's transport network. "Why is the roll-out important?" she asked. "Why ahead of other things when the [area's broadband service] is adequate?"

The council's economic manager, Harvey Brookes, said the plan was based on Government's express priority for the roll-out to go to businesses, schools and health facilities first because of demand and productivity improvements.

"Someone has to be first in this model. [Telco operator] Chorus only receives funding from the Government once they've actually got the fibre in the ground, so they have to go to the areas where they can get the greatest uptake."

The council was working with Chorus and Crown Fibre Holdings to align the roll-out programme with the priorities in the Auckland Plan.