Internet users can face two-year waits

Enduring long waits to get internet access is a phenomenon not limited to Central Auckland, according to other would-be web users.

People contacting the Herald yesterday reported potential waits of up to two years for internet access, because of a shortage of internet ports.

People from Wellington, New Plymouth, Tauranga and Puhoi said they had experienced trouble getting internet access at home because their local internet ports were overloaded.

Their complaints come after the Herald yesterday reported Central Auckland resident Sam Thorne was told by various providers he would have to wait up to a year to get broadband.

Telecom owns all internet ports, but will build more only when enough people demand them.

Telecom spokeswoman Katherine Murphy said the company was doing all it could to meet demand.

The company's upgrade should ensure the majority of New Zealand, including many of the people on the waiting list, would have broadband by the end of next year.

In the matter of Mr Thorne, Ms Murphy said Central Auckland was a fast-growing area, and capacity was regularly reviewed.

She said there would be "hundreds of additional connections" early next year.

Wellington man Andrew Cooper yesterday told the Herald he faced a wait of up to two years for broadband to his Mt Victoria home.

Mr Cooper had tried to get an internet connection at home six weeks ago. His provider, Snap Naked DSL, said he would have to wait anywhere between two months and two years.