Vocus, Vodafone New Zealand launch JV to unbundle UFB fibre network

Nieuws Mobiel Nieuw-Zeeland 5 JUN 2018
Vocus, Vodafone New Zealand launch JV to unbundle UFB fibre network
Vocus Group and Vodafone have set up a joint venture to unbundle New Zealand’s government-backed ultra-fast broadband (UFB) fibre network. Unbundling is expected to allow Vocus, Vodafone and other operators to start providing telecommunications services over the UFB network, reducing their dependence on Chorus and other local fibre companies (LFCs). The joint venture will involve scoping, designing and investing in unbundling the fibre local loops of the four local fibre companies (LFCs), with a view to providing wholesale fibre products to the retail market in competition with LFCs.

Vocus and Vodafone hope unbundling will accelerate broadband innovation and wholesale price competition by allowing increased investment in the technology that powers the tens of thousands of kilometres of fibre optic cables spread throughout New Zealand. The recent select committee recommendation to confirm unbundling by 2020 means Vodafone and Vocus can proceed with their plans to launch fibre services for consumers and businesses from January 2020.

Vocus and Vodafone also report they have already issued an RFP to local fibre companies for ‘Layer One’ wholesale services and pricing. 

According to Vodafone, examples of future fibre products could include retail plans with speeds up to 10Gbps, low latency options for gamers, more ‘business class’ products for customers wanting premium service options, and more reliable throughput speeds generally.  

Categories:

Mobiel

Companies:

Vodafone,  Chorus,  Vocus

Countries:

Nieuw-Zeeland

Tags:

Wholesale

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