Hastings full speed on fibre broadband fast lane

Hastings District Council and UnisonFibre sign MOU. UnisonFibre and the Hastings District Council announced today they would join forces to deliver ultra-fast fibre broadband for the benefit of the Hastings district and Hawke’s Bay.

The Council and the Hawke’s Bay-owned fibre company have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see them work together to get more fibre installed for businesses and the wider community.

The working understanding comes as UnisonFibre begins discussions with Crown Fibre Holdings, after being shortlisted to partner the Government in its broadband initiative.

Under the agreement, the Council will work with UnisonFibre and provide, where practical, access to its infrastructure including ducts, pipes, cycleways and access to its road corridor, along with sharing roading and infrastructure development plans and ensuring effective and timely build approvals.

UnisonFibre and Council will look to coordinate construction programmes to minimise disruption to the community and overall costs. It will also have access to Council’s own networks and communication channels to help educate and promote the benefits of fibre to the community.

In return, UnisonFibre will offer the Hastings District the opportunity to be one of the first communities to have fibre for business and homes.

Unison Group Chief Executive Ken Sutherland said today the MOU represents a significant commitment by both parties and builds on an already strong, long-standing and respected relationship between Council and Unison.

"Broadband is a key enabler of economic growth and by working together we can help lead the Hastings District and Hawkes Bay forward in terms of technology, innovation, competition and performance," Mr Sutherland said.

Mayor Lawrence Yule said the Council has already given strong support to UnisonFibre in its bid to be the region’s local fibre company and today’s MOU demonstrates a committed level of goodwill from Council and UnisonFibre to work together in the best interests of the community.

"Over the years, Council and Unison have worked together for mutual benefit. We recognise that UnisonFibre is making a significant investment in the community by rolling out a fibre communications infrastructure".

"Hastings District Council has a huge vested interest in encouraging the business and wider community to take full advantage of the new fibre network once it’s here. We see ultra-fast broadband as a critical element for the future growth of our community but laying the network is just the start.

"The Council wants to ensure it plays a strong role in helping our communities embrace ultra-fast broadband so it can grow and develop."

As a locally-based company UnisonFibre has also given a commitment to Council to work closely alongside businesses to encourage early uptake, including provision for a targeted small-to-medium enterprise programme as part of an early build. This early build is also picking up many schools and medical centres.

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