ULTRA-FAST broadband will assist Wanganui's successful Computers in Homes initiative.
The most successful ultra-fast broadband (UFB) communities will be those which provide affordable broadband access for everyone - especially for low-income families.
Wanganui's successes and commitment to digital literacy have been instrumental in the city becoming one of New Zealand's first to roll out UFB.
Computers in Homes is one of a range of digital initiatives in Wanganui, which include the Computer Clubhouse, the Aotearoa People's Network Kaharoa and the recent wireless broadband trial in Fordell and Gonville.
Wanganui District Council was successful in first securing funding from the Department of Internal Affairs Community Partnership Fund and Powerco Wanganui Trust for 150 homes in March 2006.
In the past five years, a total of $1.25 million has been secured from the Department of Internal Affairs and the 2020 Communications Trust to benefit a huge number of Wanganui families and schools.
Alistair Fraser, programme co-ordinator for Wanganui Computers in Homes, said: "Computers in Homes has not only supplied computers to 430 low-income families in our district, but it has also enabled them to acquire the skills to use them.
"Parents and caregivers graduate from our programme after completing 20 hours' training in basic computing, email and internet skills - which is a substantial achievement for many of them."
A guest at a recent graduation celebration said she was moved to tears to see the pride and sense of achievement of the participating families.
Many children, parents and caregivers have never received a certificate before, and this is a motivating and inspiring experience for everyone.
The Computers in Homes programme includes follow-up support for families for at least 12 months after they receive their computers to use at home.
Some comments we have received about their experiences are:
"My son is learning how to send his own emails. He keeps in touch with friends online, gets on the Pirates Rugby website, can get information from school."
"The computer has made life more convenient. Family dynamics are better. Finances have benefited by use of Skype."
"My daughter printed out fliers to advertise her dog-walking service."
"It is really good, especially so Mum and Dad can learn about computers in this modern age."
"Having a computer is great! It provides another view of the outside world."
Having a computer at home for the first time makes an amazing and positive difference for everyone in the family.
This comment I received from one parent is typical: "I feel like it has just opened a door. There is a whole realm to explore.""
When the programme began in 2006, 35 per cent of Wanganui households with school-aged children had no access to the internet at home.
In February 2011, the Wanganui District Council's Community Outcomes survey identified 19 per cent of Wanganui households still do not have access, with uptake lower in some suburbs, including Gonville, Castlecliff and Wanganui East.
The Computers in Homes programme is making progress in this area.
Many families can't connect to the internet because they don't have landlines. Cost is a problem for them and so they resort to using prepaid mobile phones.
For these people, the UFB network will bring a more affordable option to make calls using internet phone services such as Skype.
Another benefit of having the UFB network is its "open access", which will deliver more services from the greater number of wholesalers and retailers who will compete to use it.
This should result in lower prices and greater opportunities to connect still more households to the digital highway.
We should all be concerned about ensuring we are a truly digitally inclusive society.
Making digital connectivity and literacy a goal for low-income families not only helps them, but it also increases society's economic and social capital, and creates prosperity.
Article contributed by members of the UFB Business Strategy Group. To find out more, or to contact the group, email john.patty@xtra.co.nz