Keeping on the broadband battle

To Winston Watusi – I have just read your article in the Weekend Sun and especially the last portion regarding rural broadband.
Can I give you a perspective from this side of the political arena?
If you are in “Extreme rural” Tauranga (as Telecom would have us believe), you are probably in Tony Ryall’s BOP electorate rather than Simon Bridges’ Tauranga electorate. I work for Tony and we get calls regarding rural broadband on a regular basis and we chase Telecom as much as we can.
The sad fact is that Broadband is at least two years away for most of us.
When questioned, Telecom tend to offer the standard “it’s all part of a bigger layout” response. I have been in contact with Telecom, Tony’s staff in Wellington has been on their case as well, so the questioning is being done, believe me.
We share offices with Simon Bridges and his staff so they have read the article as well and I will let him know of your concerns as well.
I enjoy reading your articles each week, keep up the good work.
Nigel Gregory, Electorate Agent
Hon Tony Ryall - MP for Bay of Plenty