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ACCC clears Optus to scrap HFC network and use NBN instead
The ACCC has cleared, provisionally, the proposed deal between Optus and NBN Co under which Optus is to be paid around $800m to shut down its HFC network and transfer customers onto the NBN. read moreGreen light for Kordia's new trans-Tasman cable
Stuart Corner
Wednesday, 30 September 2009 09:54
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The board of New Zealand company, Kordia Solutions, has given the green light - subject to customer signups - to the company's plans to build a new trans-Tasman submarine cable, dubbed OptiKor.A Kordia spokeswoman told iTWire that the company had already held discussions with potential customers but had been unable, prior to the board decision, to sign any up to IRU (indefeasible rights of use) contracts. She said that, on the basis of these discussions the company was confident of getting enough foundation customers for the project to go ahead.
The new cable will bring competition - much needed according to many industry players - to the Southern Cross Cable and, importantly will provide a new high capacity direct low-latency route between Australia and New Zealand. Southern Cross provides redundancy but only via Hawaii. If its direct Australia New Zealand link fails the only direct alternative today is the Tasman 2 cable, which has very limited capacity compared to more modern systems.
"The introduction of the OptiKor cable brings competitive pressures, lowering prices for New Zealand businesses and broadband users. The new cable will mean more direct and improved services, and will de-risk business access to Australia," Kordia said. Clarke noted that "Southern Cross has dropped its prices in excess of 75 percent in the 18 months since we announced our plans. The Kordia project has already provided a catalyst to encourage competition and lower prices for New Zealand customers."
According to Clarke, Our proposed cable will take the most direct, quickest and least expensive route for New Zealand customers. OptiKor is a better proposition for New Zealand than any other cable project – we are the most direct route to Australia and through our partners, we can deliver New Zealand traffic all the way to the United States."
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