A study is being carried to determine how broadband investment in the Bay of Plenty can be prioritised to deliver the most benefit to businesses and residents in the region.
The study will also explore how broadband will benefit the Auckland region.
Auckland Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Tauranga economic development agency Priority One have commissioned economic consultants BERL to identify the economic sectors and local areas in the two regions that will benefit most from ultra-fast broadband.



Bay of Plenty Regional Council chairman, John Cronin says this is a great example of interregional collaboration.
The study comes after the government awarded the first round of investment under the urban ultra-fast fibre initiative.
John Cronin says the study will investigate which sectors and local areas within the two regions will be likely to gain the greatest benefit from ultra-fast broadband capacity.
The results will give a picture of the demand for ultra-fast broadband, which will help to prioritise the roll out of new fibre capacity for both Crown Fibre and the local fibre companies.
The intention is to ensure that additional infrastructure capacity is provided first where demand will be highest.
The study is expected to be completed by April 2011 followed by a round of presentations to key stakeholders.