Improving availability and quality of local rural broadband connections.

Better Internet for the Moutere - Wireless Options?

In September last year, we hosted members of the Better Broadband Initiative for Mapua, Ruby Coast, Moutere at our AGM.

The initiative has since been collecting registrations of interest of residents who would be keen on either getting better broadband than they currently have, or getting broadband to their property at all. The initiative has been in discussions with Chorus about upgrading infrastructure in some areas, but those discussions have so far not been fruitful (i.e. the price points for getting individual location upgrades were considered far too high).

Meanwhile, what might be a possible alternative for some has brought itself to the foreground in the form of KiwiWifiNZ who provide WiFi-based broadband to residents by installing wireless routers/repeaters on willing residents properties and from these servicing surrounding properties.

Read more...

Initiative for Better Internet Access - Sign Up Now!

Three local community associations – the Mapua & District Community Association, the Moutere Hills Residents Association and the Tasman Area Community Association – are working together with the Mapua & District Business Association to gather information about residents' need for broadband service in our area.

The aim of this initiative is to collectively make a case for improved internet service to the residents and businesses in our region.

If you are interested in getting better internet service, follow the links below.

Sign up by completing the online survey for the initiative: http://goo.gl/forms/AS4gYUuoCG

See the map showing how many residents have signed up so far: http://mapua41south.com/1196-2/

For information on the history of the initiative read the Coastal News article: http://www.mapua.gen.nz/Sep15.pdf

If you have any further questions you can email John Fountain at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the MHRA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

TDC Moves To Next Stage with Broadband Funding Application

The Tasman District Council has submitted the district’s Digital Enablement Plan in the second part of a two-stage application process to the funding announced by the Government to enable extension of ultra fast broadband, rural broadband and mobile blackspot coverage.

“It will be a few months before anyone finds out which regions benefit will from the Government’s investment. Regardless of outcome, as a community we're getting on with creating a digital future.”

Read the full TDC news item here.

Read more about the funding application.

Visit the wearedigital.nz website (this includes a copy of the Digital Enablement Plan)

 

Do You Want Better Internet Access?

Do you want better internet access? Are you unhappy with the speed (or even availability) of rural broadband at your property? Then let us know, so we can try to improve the situation.

But to act, we need numbers. We need to know how many residents in the area want a better connection. We need to know what type of connection you are currently on, and what speeds you are getting. And whether you would be happy to pay more for a higher-grade plan if that would mean a better connection.

To begin, let's start by finding out what sort of service you should be getting.

Chorus has a very nice Broadband Capability Map - simply enter your address, then click on 'Broadband' to the left, and then the colour of the map should tell you what service should be in range of your property.

Are you out of any broadband coverage? Or do you have broadband but it is slower than it should be?

Come to our AGM on Tuesday 22nd September, 7 pm, at the Moutere Inn (the pub) and tell us where you are located and what sort of connection you currently have.

We will discuss how we can best address the situation and if we can join forces with the initiative in Mapua who are trying to achieve the same goal.

If you can't come to the meeting, simply This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us your details and we will be in touch with you.

Mapua's Better Broadband Initiative

Mapua resident John Fountain has created a leaflet inviting everybody in the Mapua, Ruby Bay and Moutere areas who is unhappy with their current internet connection to register their interest with an initiative forming to address the problem by dealing directly with broadband providers.

Click here to read the leaflet: Better Broadband for Mapua, Ruby Coast, Moutere

We will discuss at our upcoming AGM how we can best support the Mapua initiative and improve internet access in the Moutere as well.

TDC Items on Internet and Mobile Phone Coverage Improvements

Here are various notes on the council's activities around improving internet speeds and reducing mobile coverage 'black spots' in the district. It is unclear how far this will affect connections in our rural communities, but might be worth a read:

Public Sessions to Support the Council’s Application for More Government Digital Funding

Read the article at the [TDC website]

Tasman District Council is quizzing residents on their internet access and mobile coverage as part of its bid for the next stage of government ultra-fast broadband funding - take the survey [here]

Come along and discuss the Council's bid to improve access to internet and mobile services around the district - meeting dates [here]