WELLINGTON, May 28 (Xinhua) -- An accelerated timetable was announced on Monday for the rollout of new rural broadband and mobile networks to help close the digital divides in New Zealand.
The Rural Broadband Initiative Phase Two and the Mobile Black Spot Fund Builds were due for completion by the end of 2022, but the new schedule aims to have them substantially finished by the end of 2021, a year earlier than previously planned, Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media Minister Clare Curran said in a statement.
"New Zealanders must have access to technology as a right, regardless of income or geography and we have to close the gap between the digital 'haves' and 'have nots' to ensure people and communities benefit from the jobs, access and participation that a digital future brings," Curran said.
The basis of a digital economy is universal access to efficient and cost-effective broadband for all corners and communities in New Zealand, she said, adding the government intends to grow information communications technology to be the second largest contributor to GDP by 2025.