The Ruapehu District is the big winner in this region in the Government's latest ultra-fast broadband (UFB) announcement.
The Government has pledged $270 million for communications infrastructure nationwide. The funding will speed up the UFB deployment schedule by two years, with completion expected at the end of 2022.
Ruapehu tourism hot spots at Pongaroa, Owhango, Raurimu and the entrance to the Timber Trail will benefit from the new UFB services.
Ruapehu mayor Don Cameron says tourism and visitor industry connectivity is a key focus for digital services in the region.