In a new breakthrough, the Government is now looking at analogue television waves as possible means of providing wireless broadband to some residents of rural areas. For the purpose, TV frequencies would be employed.

Between 2013 and 2015, the Government is expecting all broadcasters to switch over to digital TV. This would free around 700MHz of band which can then be used to expand wireless links for both mobile and fixed line broadband. The plan has been chalked by Communications Minister Steven Joyce and presented at the Korea Australia New Zealand (KANZ) Broadband Summit held in Auckland.

According to the figures shared, the Government has planned to put in as much as $300 Million for the proposed program, which would mean that wireless broadband would be expanded to cover new regions. The Government is also currently spending about $1.5 Billion for the development of an ultra-fast broadband urban fiber network.

Joyce has been quick to assert that providing wireless broadband access to rural regions is crucial for economic growth, efficiency and quality improvement. "Getting fast broadband to the 25% of New Zealanders living outside of urban areas is a high priority", he said.