Alternative Unbundled Local Loop Access Available in Hamilton

1/04/2009 - Hamilton based Velocity Networks is now able to offer local businesses in the city a viable alternative unbundled local loop access to connect to the internet.

Velocity Networks is partnering with Hamilton Fibre Network (HFN) in a collaborative project led by Hamilton City Council and Wintec, with support from the University of Waikato and Environment Waikato, to provide ultra-high speed broadband access to commercial buildings across the city. This new service is a long awaited answer to satisfy the need for unbundled local loop access.

The combined fibre networks of these partners span the city and Velocity Networks will be delivering unbundled local loop access and broadband internet access through these networks at speeds of up to 1Gbps (1000Mbps). To put this speed into perspective, most ADSL broadband connections available today can only run at a maximum speed of around 7Mbps.

"Unlike most broadband providers who effectively 'rebadge' the standard ADSL offering, Velocity Networks is able to differentiate its service offering and provide a product that is unique to business users in the city", explained Velocity Networks managing director, John O'Donoghue. "One of the benefits of the new network is that it will allow organisations with branches across the city to enjoy local loop access and connect at previously unavailable Local Area Network speeds. This is expected to deliver seamless business operation and enhanced company productivity", he added.

Large files can be sent internally from branch to branch as if they were in the same building and real-time business applications can run more effectively across remote locations. Businesses now have a cost-effective and significantly faster alternative to the historical single local loop access and older dedicated circuits most commonly in use.

"A number of well known service providers such as WorldxChange, Kordia, Orcon, FX Networks and Lightwire (a division of Rural Link) have already signed up and are now offering their own data and voice solutions across the network", said Shane Hobson, Velocity's business development manager. "We also have several local Hamilton cafes offering internet access through our fibre network", he added.

The network is already operational and a number of commercial customers have been connected. Project partners, Hamilton City Council, Wintec and Environment Waikato are also using the network extensively for their own data and internet access requirements.

"This ultra-high speed broadband project offers significant economic benefits to Hamilton's business community and will allow local business to participate more effectively in the wider international economy", concluded John O'Donoghue.

For more information on our unbundled local loop access service, please contact Shane Hobson on +64 7 957 0030.