Net provider ihug looks for speed

By RICHARD BRADDELL

Ihug, New Zealand's third-largest internet service provider, has signed up to use UnitedNetworks' $30 million fibre-optic network to deliver high-speed internet and broadband to business customers.

The ihug deal is the first to be publicly named by UnitedNetworks, which in April said it had received 180 service requests that could be worth $1.5 million.

The network was pushed through disused gas mains in Auckland and Wellington central business districts in record time this year.

At present, ihug services business customers using copper networks belonging to Telecom and Clear, limiting download speeds.

Using UnitedNetworks' system will enable it to halve its rates.