Frustrated islanders will get Jetstream next year

Waiheke residents are being told they must wait until next year for Telecom's Jetstream broadband service.

Islanders unhappy with slow dial-up speeds and poor connections have been exploring ways to get fast internet.

One group, Slownet, is trying to form a buyers' group which can negotiate with vendors to buy high-speed access at an affordable price.

Another group set up waihekenet.com, which linked to Telecom's online form for registering interest in getting a Jetstream fast internet service.

Ed Coutts, of tourism business Waiheke Unlimited, which hosted the site, said the site's promoter was under the impression Telecom would provide the necessary equipment to the Waiheke exchange if more than 30 people signed up.

But Telecom spokesman Andrew Bristol said Waiheke's infrastructure meant radio transmission links needed upgrading and Jetstream equipment had to be installed. Telecom has about 5000 customers on the island.

Waiheke Net Slownet