Ruapehu a winner in latest UFB announcement

Ruapehu Mayor Don Cameron says new UFB services will improve safety in remote tourism areas.

The Ruapehu District is the big winner in this region in the Government's latest ultra-fast broadband (UFB) announcement.

The Government has pledged $270 million for communications infrastructure nationwide. The funding will speed up the UFB deployment schedule by two years, with completion expected at the end of 2022.

Ruapehu tourism hot spots at Pongaroa, Owhango, Raurimu and the entrance to the Timber Trail will benefit from the new UFB services.

Ruapehu Mayor Don Cameron says new UFB services will improve safety in remote tourism areas.

Ruapehu mayor Don Cameron says tourism and visitor industry connectivity is a key focus for digital services in the region.

"Adequate connection in current mobile blackspots is essential for safety when experiencing the outdoors in remote areas and better internet connectivity will improve visitors' experiences while in the region," Mr Cameron said.

Other areas that will benefit from mobile blackspot improvements and broadband coverage include 67km of state highway along State Highways 4, 41 and 43 plus 18 rural areas spread across the Horizons Regional Council region.

"Regional leaders have been working with central government to improve digital services in our region and it is good to see further rural towns and state highway mobile blackspots will benefit from the upgrades," Horizons chief executive Michael McCartney said.