Ongoing network updates
We continue to make ongoing improvements and upgrades to our network through the Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) programme and Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI). We operate an open access network and work with many different phone and broadband providers who want information on our fibre rollout and cabinet upgrades.

If you want information on when fibre's coming to your street or what broadband services are currently available use our Broadband Capability Map which has been built based on the technical information below.

What is UFB2?
Chorus has reached an agreement with Crown Fibre Holdings to extend our ultra-fast broadband (UFB) rollout to a further 169 areas extending from Taipa–Mangonui in Northland to Bluff in Southland. This will make fibre available to an additional 200,000-plus homes and businesses beyond the 1.1 million customers in our existing UFB rollout areas.

For futher infomation please download a copy of our press release here. For a list of Chorus UFB2 areas, please see here.

We expect to be able to update our coverage maps  and our Broadband checker with UFB2 coverage areas in the coming weeks.

Cabinetisation and the ADSL2+ Rollout or Fibre to the Node (FTTN)
In 2012 we completed a massive four-year programme to upgrade the local broadband network to over 80% of New Zealanders. This involved upgrading the broadband equipment in 340 exchanges and installing 3,600 new fibre-fed broadband cabinets across the country.

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

It effectively extended the reach of our exchanges into the communities. We did 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 80% 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.

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

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or the UFB programme
The Ultra-Fast Broadband progamme takes fibre one step further - right into New Zealand homes and businesses.

The RBI rollout
The RBI rollout focuses on delivering fibre to priority entities such as schools and medial facilities. Based around the rollout of fibre to these, we're installing cabinets in rural areas which will provide a DSL-based service.

Our Broadband Capability Map gives you a good idea where cabinets are being delivered each year. More information on our RBI rollout including cabinet lists and shape files are available on our Rural Broadband Initiative page and a list of schools is available at Fibre to Schools.

Cabinetisation
Our plans for cabinetisation are detailed in the below documents as required by the UCLL and UCLL Co-location Standard Terms Determinations.

This includes the most recent Cabinetisation Forecast and Cabinetisation Notice provided under clause 38.9-38.15 of the General Terms of the Determinations.

Please note this document includes cabinets equipped with either ADSL or ADSL2+ capable equipment (see column J for clarification). The dates listed for cabinetisation and cessation of supply do not necessarily indicate the actual date when customers will benefit from cabinet upgrades. This may be up to 90 days after the date listed.

Exchange and Cabinet Boundary Shapefiles

Distribution cabinet
A distribution cabinet is equipped with power and other support services which, when installed in the cabinet and/or associated pedestal, DSL services are able to be provided to one or more end users.

We provide regular updates regarding distribution cabinets under the Standard Terms Determination for Sub Loop Unbundling and a forecast of distribution cabinets likely to be commissioned within the next 12 months.

Please note the distribution cabinet information provided reflects our current records. We'll update the information to correct any errors as they're identified. Service providers are responsible for ensuring they use the most recent information available, which will be the version accessible from this webpage.