Ultrafast Fibre (UFF) is now underway in Huntly to bring high-speed fibre broadband to the town.
The work is part of the UFB Extension, which is the next phase of the Government’s Ultra-Fast Broadband programme and will result in 27 more towns and locations being built by UFF and having access to high-speed broadband by the end of December 2019.
On Monday morning last week a karakia with local iwi, comprising of Ngaati Mahuta, Ngaati Whaawhaakia, Ngaati Kuiaarangi hapū, was held on the banks the Waikato River to welcome UFF to the community and to bless the work that is to be undertaken.
Ultrafast Fibre CEO, William Hamilton, says the installation of fibre in Huntly is particularly significant.
“We have a real opportunity to help reduce the digital divide with the work that is being currently undertaken in Huntly. We are aware that some parts of this community could benefit from some help in accessing high-speed broadband, and it is something that UFF is prepared to push for. Reducing the digital divide needs a multi-agency approach and is a challenge that has our support,” he says.
A special feature of the build will see fibre cross the Waikato River through a special duct on the Tainui Bridge. The fibre build programme will see work carried out on both sides of the river simultaneously, with the river crossing expected later in the year.
The build in Huntly will offer up to 3,000 potential connections to homes and businesses. The UFB network expansion arrives on top of UFF’s already completed deployment of more than 3,000 kilometres of fibre to eight central North Island cities and towns.