Remote users scheme – support for internet connectivity
The Remote Users Scheme (RUS) is focused on increasing the availability of broadband connectivity in rural and remote New Zealand.
Digital connectivity programmes have worked to cover large parts of Aotearoa including many small communities, but there are still more remaining to be covered. These are some of the most remote areas and people across the country and are difficult to find a solution for.
Through the Remote Users Scheme, eligible households and communities in Aotearoa’s most remote areas – where broadband is not currently available and there is only access to voice calling and text services – will be able to apply for support. The Scheme will also be available in rural areas with poor internet coverage.
The first phase of RUS aims to provide a broadband internet service to an area by extending existing networks. Those still without coverage after this has been done, may be eligible to receive a one-off grant of up to $2,000 towards set up and installation costs of a suitable broadband solution.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the RUS, applicants should:
Have a principal residence in a rural or remote area. This could include:
- Owner occupied dwellings
- Multiple principal residences on a single property
- Tenanted dwellings
- Farmhouses occupied by share farmers (usually under a “right to reside” arrangement)
- Occupied dwellings on Māori land.
Not be capable of receiving a commercial broadband service or have a poor service. This will include both existing and planned coverage (if any) in the area.
For more information and to apply visit the Crown Infrastructure Partners website.
Text from Crown Infrastructure Partners
Photo by Denny Müller on Unsplash
