Fibre to the Node

The fibre to the node programme was the first step in bringing fibre closer to New Zealand homes and businesses.

It effectively extends the reach of our exchanges into the communities. We’re doing this by installing thousands of mini-exchanges we call ‘cabinets’ in towns and suburbs and linking them to the local exchange with fibre optic cable.

We committed to delivering broadband speeds of 10mbps to eighty percent of New Zealanders by the end of 2011. And we delivered - now towns with 500 or more phone lines and over 80% of New Zealanders have access to high speed broadband.

Each cabinet is equipped with broadband equipment, called an ISAM, so you can access faster broadband from a wide range of internet service providers.

If you’re within about 2km of a cabinet you should be able to connect at faster ADSL2+ speeds. If you’re closer, VDSL2 services offering speeds up to 50Mbps may also be available.

You can check your broadband service availability here.

The fibre to the node programme is now being extended into rural areas under the Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) programme.

We’re very proud that our cabinets are made right here in New Zealand.

Designed by Christchurch-based Eaton Power Quality Company, with input from Canterbury University’s Engineering Department, our cabinets take the best of worldwide experience and make it better, all with New Zealand conditions in mind.

As well as protecting and powering the sophisticated electronic equipment needed to deliver broadband over your phone line, each cabinet includes features such as battery back-up supply and a generator connection in case of power cuts. They’re quiet, energy efficient and coated in a special paint which makes it easy to remove graffiti.