The impact of fibre broadband on regional economic growth

Network Strategies to deliver ground-breaking research at FTTH Council Asia Pacific 2013 conference

Auckland, New Zealand – May 7, 2013

Network Strategies' Director Dr Suella Hansen will address the Asia Pacific Fibre to the Home Council Annual Conference, to be held later this month in Auckland, New Zealand.

Drawing on recent research by Network Strategies for a government client, she will focus on the impact of fibre broadband uptake on regional economic growth. Although there are a number of existing studies on the socio-economic impact of broadband, as a relatively new technology there is to date little empirical work on the impact of fibre. Dr Hansen will review emerging evidence of linkages between fibre uptake and improvements in socio-economic conditions at both the regional and national level.

Network Strategies’ research also shows that both internationally and locally the likely pattern and uptake of fibre services is uncertain, with huge variations being experienced in different regions and projects. Dr Hansen will examine the drivers and inhibitors of fibre uptake from around the world, and assess progress of the New Zealand fibre initiative (UFB).

The presentation will be of particular interest to local government policy-makers and strategists, as she will highlight successful regional interventions that have boosted fibre uptake by businesses around the world.

About Network Strategies

Network Strategies works at the forefront of the telecommunications revolution, delivering advice and insight to operators, manufacturers and governments. From offices in Auckland, London, Melbourne and Wellington, Network Strategies staff provide strategic consultancy to clients throughout the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and North America, offering a complete global outlook on key issues affecting all players in the telecoms sector.

Media contacts

New Zealand: 
Suella Hansen 
Tel: +64 9 522 1702 
E-mail: s.hansen@strategies.nzl.com

Australia: 
Noelle Jones 
Tel: +61 3 9830 0152 
E-mail: n.jones@strategies.nzl.com