KEY POINTS:
Telecom chief executive Paul Reynolds has reiterated Telecom's commitment to rolling out fast broadband to smaller regions and rural communities.
Dr Reynolds was speaking as Telecom submitted its final submission on the Government's plan to split the company into three businesses, giving rivals easier access to the country's phone infrastructure.
"Separation" day was scheduled for March 31, he said.
On the rollout, Dr Reynolds said Telecom was keen to partner with others to speed up the process.
"While there is a lot of work still to be done to develop options, we are excited at the potential of a collaborative model to help Telecom go where it would not invest on its own, in an effort to realise the vision of world-class broadband infrastructure for New Zealanders."
The rollout would bring "next generation" speeds and services to all towns and cities with more than 500 lines.
Dr Reynolds said 99 per cent of the lines would be capable of supporting speeds of up to 10Mbps, and 50 per cent could handle up to 20Mbps.
"And the four-year programme to deploy fibre closer to customers through cabinetisation is only part of an ongoing investment commitment, in a range of areas, that stretches well into the future."
Telecom estimates fixed-line broadband is now available to about 93 per cent of New Zealanders .
- NZPA
