UFB local schools last in line

Wairarapa Rural Schools will be some of the last to be connected to high speed rural broadband through the Remote Schools Rural Broadband Initiative (RSRBI).

Federated Farmers telecommunications spokesman Anders Crofoot, of Castlepoint Station, said under the time frame being worked to it would take several years to have all schools connected.

"I checked to see when schools in my own area, which are Tinui School and Whareama School, would be getting connected and unfortunately they are going to be some of the last, they are near the bottom of the list," Mr Crofoot said.

"Eventually, I think we will see all rural schools in the Wairarapa hooked up, unfortunately it may take some time. In some parts of the country some schools may be too isolated and have to be connected by satellite.

"We have lobbied hard over the last three years on rural broadband and we have managed to get investment level to over $300 million - its about getting people connected.

"We need to retain and attract good people to the countryside and ensuring our kids are connected will help that."

Last week Kereru School in Hawke's Bay was the first of 25 schools in New Zealand to be connected as part of the RSRBI.

"Being connected is so critical to our future. This is another positive step to ensuring that happens," Mr Crofoot said.

Chorus has confirmed its plans for the third year of its ultra-fast broadband deployment including rolling the network out to new parts of Masterton.

The July 2013 to June 2014 plan will see Chorus begin building the UFB network in Lansdowne and central Masterton.

Chorus general manager of Network Build Chris Dyhrberg said in line with policy, fibre would be delivered first to priority customers, which includes schools, hospitals, medical facilities and businesses.