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Fibre optic port - Source: ONE News / CNN -
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Eighteen organisations are vying to be included in the government's $1.5 billion broadband roll-out over the next 10 years, including an "experienced international fibre operator", says the organisation looking after the tender process.
Friday was the deadline for proposals to be submitted and Crown Fibre Holdings (CFH), established to manage the Crown's Ultra-Fast Broadband Initiative, expects to announce an indicative timetable on how the proposals will be assessed within two weeks.
"I am pleased that CFH received 33 proposals from 18 respondents including two competitive national solutions," says chairman Simon Allen.
The proposals came from various parties and consortia, including one from an experienced international fibre operator, which is pleasing, Allen says.
"All 33 local fibre areas have proposals, and it is very pleasing that there are a number of proposals from regional New Zealand which have strong community support."
CFH is keeping the organisations and their proposals confidential.
However, last week the 19-strong New Zealand Regional Fibre Group (NZRFG) said it had submitted what it called a number of closely aligned proposals.
The group, which includes lines companies and fibre network companies, says its bids covered about 80% of the country and it is proposing to extend out beyond the 33 main centres the government has highlighted as priorities for ultra-fast fibre broadband.
NZRFG founding member Vector also hopes to secure the Auckland region contract - where it already has substantial investment in fibre.
CFH will evaluate the proposals before reporting to Communications and Information Technology Minister Steven Joyce.
