High speed network for researchers

New Zealand scientists are being plugged in to the rest of the world.

Until now, researchers have had to rely on the internet to transfer large amounts of data around the world.

Now, a high speed global network connecting Auckland to the US city of Seattle and Sydney is being set up by global telecommunications company Verizon Business.

The Research Education Advanced Network New Zealand will allow universities and research institutes to collaborate with international colleagues.

Glenn Watkins from Verizon says the new network levels the playing field and gives New Zealand scientists and researchers the same high speed reliability and performance their overseas equivalents have enjoyed for some time.

He says the initiative has some great advantages for New Zealand, because key scientists and researchers will be less likely to be tempted to head overseas to work. Mr Watkins says it also supports the Government's knowledge economy strategies.

- NEWSTALK ZB