Waikato University helps Hamilton city go digital

A city-central fibre network system will help put Hamilton on the map as a digital city thanks to a deal between the network’s owners and WEL Networks.

Hamilton Fibre Network

The Hamilton Fibre Network (HFN) is currently jointly owned by the University of Waikato, Wintec, Hamilton City Council, Waikato Regional Council and private partner Velocity Group Holdings Ltd.

As a result of the agreement signed this week, HFN and Velocity Networks will become part of the digital infrastructure owned by Ultrafast Fibre Ltd, the WEL Networks’ subsidiary which recently won the tender to supply ultra-fast broadband to more than 163,000 homes in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki regions under the government’s digital strategy.

Digital City

Kevin Adamson, HFN Chairman and Head of IT Services at the University of Waikato, says the deal will help realise HFN’s original vision of creating a high-speed network for the benefit of the Hamilton community.  

“Four years ago, we established a successful company to realise a digital future for our city,” he said. “It was a combined effort, the University contributed duct assets down Ruakura Road to help create a 50 km fibre network throughout the central business district.

Ultra-Fast Broadband

“We supported WEL Networks’ bid to develop an ultra-fast broadband network, and we are pleased that HFN has contributed to enhancing Hamilton’s digital future, transforming the way we do business and changing the way we live, work and play.”

The University has a small minority shareholding in HFN.