Masterton ultra-fast network complete

Communications Minister Amy Adams (left) chats with Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson and South Wairarapa Vet Services director Adrian Evans. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

The completion of Masterton's ultra-fast broadband network was announced in the town yesterday by Communications Minister Amy Adams.

The kerbside rollout of fibre cable enables more than 9500 homes and businesses in Masterton to connect to ultra-fast broadband, or UFB, for their internet.

Ms Adams said the achievement was "a really significant milestone" for Masterton.

"Why wouldn't you live somewhere like Masterton, when you can ... still have the world at your doorstep?" Ms Adams said, adding that she had been going to talk about avoiding traffic jams but had struck two on the way from Wellington, delaying her arrival.

The announcement was made at the new Masterton clinic of South Wairarapa Veterinary Services, at a function also attended by Wairarapa MP Alastair Scott, Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson and South Wairarapa Mayor Adrienne Staples.

Masterton is the 13th town in New Zealand to complete the rollout of UFB.

Ms Adams compared UFB with the "rollout of the railroad" in the growth that happened once it was laid.

"This is the digital equivalent. In 10 years' time, we will be using this technology in ways we can't even imagine today."

Ms Adams told mayor Patterson it was now time to see "who takes up the baton and the challenge, mayor" of using the connection.

Mrs Patterson thanked the "local contractors who did the work on the ground" and said the capability of the network "is really important" to the Masterton district.

Host Adrian Evans, director of South Wairarapa Veterinary Services, said the UFB means he can co-ordinate the movements of 40 staff across four sites, making appointments in real-time and avoiding double-ups in travel, for instance two vets working on neighbouring farms. X-rays and other scans, rather than needing to be stored onsite, are now uploaded to the internet, making them easier to share with others.

Leaders from Chorus, Crown Fibre Holdings, and Downer were also present at the announcement. Project manager Shawn Dancer from Chorus said the Masterton rollout covers 7800 premises and 50 cabinet areas, and Masterton had been "a good council to work with".