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TelstraClear launches 'WarpSpeed, Next Generation Broadband'

30 July, 2009

TelstraClear is to deliver ‘WarpSpeed – Next Generation Broadband’ by upgrading its hybrid fibre coaxial networks with the capability of delivering 100Mbps.

The investment of nearly $10m in DOCSIS3 infrastructure [Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications] on TelstraClear’s Wellington and Christchurch networks will redefine the meaning of ‘fast’ for its broadband users.

Network rollouts are targeted to begin in March 2010 with services to be progressively introduced as the market demands.

“This is an investment in the future – a signal to businesses and households that if you are on the TelstraClear WarpSpeed networks you will always have speed to burn,” TelstraClear CEO Dr Allan Freeth said.

“The 100Mbps that this will allow our fibre enabled cable networks to deliver is the same speed Government is aiming for in its yet to be confirmed 10 year fibre to the premise plan.”

“TelstraClear customers won’t have to wait that long.”

Approximately half of all the homes the company’s fibre enabled cable networks pass in Wellington and Christchurch take one or more of its services and nearly 70% take TelstraClear broadband. It also offers the only triple play in the two regions – phone, broadband and cable TV.

A new 25Mbps broadband service – the fastest commercial speed currently available in New Zealand – will be offered in Wellington immediately.

“WarpSpeed’ will exceed broadband needs in Wellington and Christchurch for years to come making many of the aspirations we all have for broadband a reality,” Dr Freeth said.

“Working from home, including video conferencing from home, becomes a reality while the way families can receive and view their entertainment will be transformed.”

The speeds will enable downloading of High Definition content from online catalogues in minutes rather than hours and provide the platform for the delivery of emerging services such as IP TV.

TelstraClear will be able to redefine how customers can utilise the internet and enable households to do the things they want to do but are unable to at today’s broadband speeds. TelstraClear’s accelerated introduction of 100Mbps means its customers will help drive and benefit from innovative, video based applications and content services well before other New Zealanders.

But there is also good news for the rest of New Zealand.

To build a similar 100Mbps network from scratch in these cities will cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Government’s $1.5 billion broadband investment fund to deliver 100Mbps to 75% of New Zealanders within 10 years will go that much further now that there’s no need to duplicate the ultra-fast broadband network in Wellington or Christchurch.

The upgrade follows other recent TelstraClear network investments including more than $20m on the 950km South Island loop and a $10m upgrade of the core network which included deploying New Zealand’s first 40Gbps link.

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