Mayor calls for community to use ultrafast broadband

Published on 08 May 2015

8 May 2015

Whanganui Mayor Annette Main is encouraging all locals to attend the Ultrafast Fibre ‘Beyond Broadband’ expo at UCOL Whanganui on May 14-16.

“This event is a chance for everyone to get practical advice on ultra fast broadband (UFB),” says Mayor Main.

“If you know nothing about UFB and feel unsure about how to get connected, or even if you are a digital expert, you’ll get information that’s relevant to you.”

Mayor Main is Chair of the Whanganui Digital Leaders Forum and believes there is “huge potential” for the community to benefit from UFB.

“Whanganui is fortunate to have access to the UFB fibre network,” she says.

“We now want to ensure that people know how easy and cost-effective it actually is to connect.”

The three-day ‘Beyond Broadband’ event includes a series of free workshops for the community, students, teachers and businesses.

Hinurewa Te Hau from Ngā Pū Waea, the Māori Broadband Working Party, will lead a workshop on video conferencing for the community.

“We want to give groups practical advice on low cost ways to communicate,” says Ms Te Hau.

“Video conferencing means you can speak face to face without the need to travel, reducing costs for not-for-profit organisations.”

To register for any of the workshops or find out more, visit www.gofaster.co.nz.