Fibre network provider, Enable has today announced that Rangiora and Kaiapoi’s commercial centres will soon receive fibre broadband services – with its network build in the towns about to begin.

Enable CEO, Steve Fuller believes that this announcement is a significant shot in the arm for the two towns and will help position them as great places to work, live and play.

“Getting access to fibre broadband will provide exciting new opportunities for businesses in Rangiora and Kaiapoi,” said Mr Fuller. “Local business will be able to access new online tools, enjoy cost savings and find new ways to sell to customers all over the world and locally.”

This announcement is also very significant for the Waimakariri District Council and Enterprise North Canterbury. It means they can market their towns as having the same quality of fibre broadband services as those available in the hearts of New Zealand’s biggest cities.

“Waimakariri District is experiencing enormous population growth and there is great opportunity for Rangiora and Kaiapoi to benefit from this growth as key commercial centres,” said Heather Warwick, Enterprise North Canterbury CEO. 

“Accessing the best fibre broadband connectivity is essential for business. Enable’s network will attract more businesses to establish in our towns, meaning more people will be able to work locally.

“As a business community, we are very excited that Enable is coming.”

Another important part of Enable’s first year of network build in the towns is connecting Rangiora and Kaiapoi High Schools to fibre, along with other local schools.

“Quality broadband connectivity is essential in learning and teaching today and into the future,” said Mr Fuller. “It’s been an important priority to get our network to the two high schools as quickly as possible.” 

Rangiora High School, one of the largest schools in the South Island, has been running multiple broadband services into the school to provide basic connectivity for students and staff.

Mr Fuller added, “A single fibre service over Enable’s network will be able to replace all these connections, and provide many times the speed and bandwidth to the school.”

Enable’s work is already underway in the area. In Kaiapoi, Enable has been laying its network when earthquake recovery infrastructure work is being done to ensure minimal disruption and speed up deployment to the town. Two fibre utility buildings are also being built in the towns to form the heart of Enable’s network.

Enable will be undertaking this network build work in the coming year. It is finalising the exact timing for when businesses and schools will be able connect, and will be able to share this information in the next couple of months.