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Councillor Ian Walker says while the Government’s decision to end Telecom’s monopoly and unbundle the local loop is to be applauded, he believes that step should have come several years ago.

“Unbundling the network is a good first step to encourage competition and investment but in isolation, it will not be sufficient as a reform to achieve what Northland requires.  Current broadband service levels in our region are too costly and far from ideal.”

Cr Walker says the Regional Council - with support from the Northland District Health Board, Territorial Authorities, Northland Polytechnic and others – had a few months ago applied for Government funding to improve Northland’s fibre network but had been turned down.

He believes the proposed new legislation needs to be fast-tracked – “waiting until 2008 is far too long” – and additional reform is necessary if Northland is to achieve “real broadband”. 

“As a region we need quality broadband at reasonable prices to deliver improved health care and education, and to provide business with an essential tool to grow and consider our region a serious place to locate.”

He hoped that the unbundling decision is a sign of a greater Central Government commitment to the provision of essential communications networks for Northland and the rest of the country.

Meanwhile, Cr Walker says it must also be remembered that broadband is just one of a number of infrastructural areas in which Northland is currently underdeveloped.

“As a region, we have a number of important infrastructural issues to be addressed, including roading, sewerage, energy and public water supply.”