Speeding down the information highway

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Internet users in a sluggish Northland backwater are zipping down the information super highway while some Aucklanders endure download speeds that confine them to the slow lane.

Horeke tourist operator Felix Schaad says city visitors are amazed at the 1.2 mbps download speeds he and wife Rita receive from a community-based wireless, broadband internet service.

"He said, I can’t believe how fast your computer works," says Felix of his brother-in-law from Titirangi.

"They only get a third of our speed."

Felix says the service he and Hamilton-based Number 8 Wireless launched in the Hokianga six months ago has been problem-free.

"It’s working perfectly. I’m calling you now through broadband. We’ve cut the phone line."

The 15 households that subscribe to the service include farmers disillusioned with a more expensive service offered by Farmside, a teacher, entrepreneur, health clinic and an Aucklander with a holiday home in the Hokianga.

"Even Okaihau College has hooked up. All phone calls and internet now go through Rural Link."

Felix is confident more people will sign up for the service which is beamed into Horeke, Kohukohu, parts of Rawene, the Waihou Valley and lower Utakura Valley.

"We need more customers before we can upgrade to 2mbps. I’m sure once more people talk to each other it will happen. If we really get a lot of people we can upgrade up to 7mbps."

For more information about the service, which offers monthly plans ranging from about $45 to $100, phone Felix on 401-9935.

Number 8 Wireless is a division of Rural Link.

Rural Link is a joint venture between Waikato University’s technology transfer and commercialisation office, Waikatolink, and rural IT provider Rezare Systems.

- © Fairfax NZ News