A year on UFB exceeds target by 6000 premises

A summary of progress released today shows that despite passing through over 76,000 premises only 1,233 users are connected to UFB.

The government defines a connection as a premise that has signed up to a retail service provider (RSP).

The office of ICT Minister Amy Adams reported that 176 UFB schools have fibre to the gate, and 485 RBI schools have fibre to the gate - which represents 85 percent of what the government predicted would be completed by this point.

Last week, Adams criticised members of the media for their "naivety" regarding timelines around the UFB. In her most recent statement, Adams says more New Zealanders will take up UFB as the installation continues.

“We are starting to see some exciting product offerings from retail service providers, but it takes time for products to be developed for the market and for people to recognise the value of UFB," says Adams.

A spokesperson for Adams told CIO Magazine the remaining 15 percent predicted of schools will be connected next month.

The report covers the period between June 2011 and June 2012.

By the numbers:

Premises passed: 28,435 this quarter | 76,311 to date
Connected users: 155 this quarter | 1,233 to date

Wireless RBI households: 52,923 to date | 147,000 target
Fixed-line RBI households: 19,028 to date | 105,000 target

UFB connected schools: 107 this quarter | 124 to date
RBI connected schools: 190 this quarter | 461 to date

The full report can be found here: