Homes to get free UFB connection in new deal

Good news for people wanting to connect to the Government's ultra-fast broadband network.

A deal has been reached between the Government and Crown Fibre Holdings and its partners Chorus, Enable and Northpower for free non-standard residential connections to the network.

Those connections will be from up to 200m per house from the road, until at least the end of 2015.

Ultra-Fast Fibre, which operates in the central North Island, has already promised to provide free connections until 2019 and the Government is working with other companies to ensure there are no charges until that time.

Communications minister Amy Adams says it comes after negotiations between the Government, Crown Fibre Holdings and its partners.

"They're paying for the vast share of it. we've negotiated some contract changes that help provide some extra value but in the main the funding has come from the partners."

The network is expected to be completed in 2019.

Photo: NZ Herald