The New Zealand government has released an invitation to participate in the partner selection process for the government's NZD 1.5 billion ultra-fast broadband investment initiative. The government is seeking private sector partners who will co-invest in the project. In September the government released its final proposal for the ultra-fast broadband initiative. The government's investment is expected to be at least matched by private sector funding by way of a co-investment model in open access infrastructure. The invitation to participate will see the government largely fund the deployment of fibre into communities, and the crown's local fibre company (LFC) partner gradually taking a greater share in the LFC as it connects customers. The LFC will deploy, own and operate the open access network in a given coverage area. Interested parties should notify the government of their intention by 13 November and proposals must be lodged by 29 January 2010.
