The Government will continue to charge a $50 million annual telecommunications levy for another three years to pay to extend the rural broadband initiative and get wider mobile coverage in some areas.
Prime Minister John Key and Minister Amy Adams announced the measure in Greymouth today.
It included a $100 million contestable fund for remote rural communities to get broadband, and a $50 million fund for mobile coverage in 'black spots' on state highways and in areas frequented by tourists.
Mr Key said consumers would see little difference in their bills - the levy is charged to telecommunications companies but is passed on to consumers through their bills. It was due to expire in 2016 but would be extended to 2019.
"Consumers won't notice any change in their bills, they're already paying it. They'll just pay it for a bit longer. It's a relatively small amount on their bill."
