Hamilton's Velocity Networks in contention for multiple national telecommunications awards

Hamilton high-speed broadband provider, Velocity Networks, has been announced as a finalist in two categories for the prestigious Telecommunications Users Association of New Zealand (TUANZ) Innovation Award for 2010.

Velocity Networks, a member of the New Zealand Regional Fibre Group which is vying to take part in the Government's ultra-fast broadband initiative in partnership with WEL Networks, is no stranger to success. Velocity was previously recognised for their technical and business capability by placing 29th in the 2009 Deloitte National Fast 50 awards, and was ranked 195th in the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Asia Pacific in 2009.

TUANZ ICT Innovator of the Year 2010

The TUANZ ICT Innovator of the Year is awarded to an individual for a product, service or application that is facilitated or enabled by the innovative use of technology in New Zealand, or by a New Zealand company overseas.

Velocity Business Development Manager, Shane Hobson, has been nominated for this prestigious national award. To feature in this challenging category, Shane needed to develop an innovative approach that had not been used by other network operators. His key challenges were the strict requirements for high network availability and a low capital budget.

Shane's innovative approach to network switches enabled him to develop a solution that conserved capital and reduced ongoing costs. This has allowed Velocity to charge the lowest installation fees in the market and to provide a consistently reliable solution to business customers at monthly subscription prices that are substantially lower than those of traditional telcos.

Next Generation Fibre-Optic Network of the Year 2010

The Next Generation Fibre-Optic Network of the Year is awarded to the fibre-optic network project that makes the most significant contribution to moving New Zealand towards next generation fibre-based telecommunications.

While many companies hunkered down and reduced capital investment during the recession, Velocity Networks and its partner, Hamilton Fibre Network Ltd, pressed on with an ambitious programme to roll out their ultra high-speed fibre network across Hamilton CBD. Additional financial support was provided through the Government's Broadband Challenge Funding.

A total of $7m has been invested by the network owners to construct around 50 km of fibre network. The 1Gbps (1000Mbps) network now offers fibre access to about 70% of all commercial buildings in the city.