InternetNZ has released the results of a survey undertaken byUMR Research saying it reveals that New Zealanders want faster home Internet, and are ready to move on from old-fashioned copper connections.
InternetNZ CEO, Jordan Carter, said the survey findings showed a clear demand for faster home Internet nationwide, particularly in rural New Zealand.
“Overall, 74 percent of respondents did not agree that copper-based connections are good enough for rural users,” Carter said. “Sixty two percent said it was not fair that many rural users have to put up with copper Internet connections which tend to be slower and less reliable than more modern options.”
However the questions used to elicit these responses could hardly be classified as neutral. Respondents were asked:
“Which of the following is closest to your view even if not exactly right?
The fact that many rural users have to put up with often slower and less reliable copper based internet connections isn’t fair when compared to the better connectivity options available for urban New Zealanders.
While they might be slower and less reliable, copper services are generally good enough for rural users.”
Carter said that even though 32 percent of respondents are on fibre services, bandwidth demand is likely to increase. "Though highest in rural areas, there is strong demand for faster Internet throughout New Zealand. Seventy five percent of respondents confirmed they are likely to want faster home broadband in three years’ time.
"Network builders and retail service providers can expect trends for increasing Internet use to continue. Sixty five percent of respondents said their household uses the Internet more compared to three years ago. That included 44 percent using the Internet ‘a lot more’.”
InternetNZ said a key result was the demand for faster services in rural areas, where 80 percent of respondents said they were likely to want a faster connection in three years’ time.
InternetNZ commissioned the survey and included the results as part of its submission to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s review of the Telecommunications Act. All public submissions are expected to be released on Friday 24 March.