Govt $1.5 billion broadband policy unveiled 

The government has unveiled the final details on its flagship $1.5 billion pre-election broadband policy.

Communications Minister Steven Joyce says a new Crown Owned investment company called Crown Fibre Holdings will be up and running next month.

It will be responsible for selecting partners to encourage more broadband development and manage investment in fibre networks.

Joyce says the investment model being put in place will see the government retain a stake in any new infrastructure that is built.

He says it is important that the Crown and taxpayers clearly see what their investment in the project is.

Joyce says a lot of work has gone into getting the approach right for the government to co-invest with the private sector in broadband infrastructure.

"Already a number of companies have shown interest in the government's broadband initiative. Now it's time to get on with finding the right partners to build these networks."

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