Calls for better connectivity in Bay

JOYCE WYLLIE

Telecommunications provider Chorus organised two meetings in Golden Bay recently, inviting residents to discuss issues about the copper network and fibre.

Matt Robertson, Chorus senior community relations advisor, and two others were available to talk to people one-on-one. The event notice advertised “Let us shine some light, if you’ve got questions we’d love to help”.

Both the Tākaka and Collingwood sessions were well attended, with people wanting light shed on many topics. Most of the homes west of Pākawau experienced failed landline services for the four days before the meeting, so that was a common issue. Many of those places have no, or unreliable, cell phone coverage, but that wasn’t something Chorus could address.

Matt reported that “it was a successful event for Chorus. We got lots of feedback about where improvements are possible, and we share this with relevant teams in the company. Being face-to-face with the community means we can also solve ongoing issues that people may be having with their connections.”

He explains that “Chorus is keen to ensure that New Zealanders are on the best possible internet and voice technology”, adding that “Fibre is the best choice if it is available. Outside of fibre areas, particularly in remote areas, we recognise that the copper network may struggle to meet growing customer needs for internet access. In some cases, alternative wireless or low earth orbit satellite technologies, like Starlink, will provide a better service.”

Chorus is still working on expanding its fibre network to an additional 75,000 premises, to help unlock the economic benefits of rural communities having access to high-speed internet.

Several residents in Collingwood raised concerns about withdrawal of the copper network, but this won’t happen in areas with no access to fibre. Some urban copper networks are being withdrawn when most homes in the area are serviced by fibre. Matt is confident that “Chorus is committed to providing essential, enduring infrastructure for rural communities, to ensure New Zealand stays at the forefront of global connectivity trends” but cautions that “extending fibre network requires an environment supporting the long-term investment required”. He realises that there have been delays in getting fibre connections, and “Chorus is grateful for the patience of Golden Bay residents. Technician resourcing issues meant some delays, but we will be back on target within two months.”

Participants appreciated being able to communicate with a communication company. Some issues have been resolved simply, and one person reported a solution within a week. Other concerns continue to be worked on.

Matt said that “it was great to meet with the residents of Tākaka and Collingwood, to hear first-hand the opportunities and challenges for communities about connectivity. Our goal remains that customers are on the best technology available to them, and we were delighted to be able to help some improve their connectivity options.”

Further information can be found on the website: https:// www.chorus.co.nz/copper-withdrawal.

The Telecommunications Forum also published a useful document: https://www.tcf.org.nz/assets/tcf-copper-factsheetcompressed.pdf.

Options for broadband can be found at: https:// broadbandmap.nz/home.

The government’s Remote User Scheme pays a one-off grant of up to $2,000 to help install a suitable broadband service. Apply at: https://remoteusersscheme.crowninfrastructure. govt.nz/