Hon Simon Bridges | MP for Tauranga

Releases

UFB phase one 75 per cent complete

Communications
Tue 13 Jun 2017
More than three-quarters of the build for phase one of the Government’s Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) programme is complete, says Communications Minister Simon Bridges. “This is a fantastic milestone which means that more than 1,132,000 households and businesses now have access to fibre. At four per cent ahead of schedule, the build is now complete in 22 cities and towns across New Zealand,” Mr Bridges says. ...
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Telecommunications Commissioner reappointed

Communications
Thu 8 Jun 2017
Communications Minister Simon Bridges has today announced the reappointment of Dr Stephen Gale as Telecommunications Commissioner and as a member of the Commerce Commission. Dr Gale has been appointed for a further three years starting on 12 July. “The reappointment of Dr Gale recognises his valuable knowledge and expertise in competition and pricing issues, and the significant contribution he has made to the work of the Commission over a number of years,” Mr Bridges says. ...
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Artificial Intelligence Forum welcomed

Communications
Thu 8 Jun 2017
Communications Minister Simon Bridges and Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith have welcomed the launch of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Forum to help understand the opportunities and challenges relating to AI in New Zealand. Supported by NZTech, the Forum brings together users of technology, tech firms, academia and government to help connect, promote and advance the AI ecosystem and drive positive social and economic outcomes for New Zealand. ...
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Bold new media initiative for children announced

Communications
Fri 2 Jun 2017
Communications Minister Simon Bridges and Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry have welcomed the announcement of a safe, interactive ad-free space for primary school age children to explore and enjoy online local media content. The new media initiative is a collaboration between NZ On Air and TVNZ. The interactive curated website will be run by a newly formed team at TVNZ, utilising the company’s expertise and technology. ...
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Final telecommunications reform package announced

Communications
Thu 1 Jun 2017
Communications Minister Simon Bridges today announced the final details of the Government’s reform package to improve the Telecommunications Act and modernise the communications sector. The final package will introduce a more predictable utility-style model for Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) fibre, deregulate copper lines where fibre is available, and improve the quality of service for consumers by increasing regulatory oversight. ...
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All New Zealanders to see connectivity benefits

Communications
Tue 23 May 2017
The Government is committed to making New Zealand’s communications network one of the best in the world, Communications Minister Simon Bridges says. Minister Bridges spoke at the 2017 Rural Connectivity Symposium in Wellington today. “In 2009 the internet in New Zealand was slow, and many people didn’t have adequate access at all – particularly in rural areas,” Mr Bridges says. ...
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Ultra-Fast Broadband uptake over 33 per cent

Communications
Thu 11 May 2017
More than a third of New Zealanders with access to Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) are now connected, says Communications Minister Simon Bridges. The March 2017 Quarterly Broadband Update released today shows the number of households, business, schools and hospitals connected to UFB has increased 12 per cent in the past three months to 367,788. “It’s encouraging to see that strong demand for UFB is continuing, as connectivity continues to improve across New Zealand,” Mr Bridges says. ...
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Phase two of Ultra-Fast Broadband build underway

Communications
Thu 11 May 2017
Communications Minister Simon Bridges has welcomed the start of the Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) build in Hikurangi and Hokitika, the first towns to commence the build under the extension of the UFB programme. In January, the Government announced an investment of $300 million to extend UFB to another 423,000 New Zealanders across a further 151 towns. “Having access to fast and reliable broadband is critical for regional towns like Hikurangi and Hokitika,” Mr Bridges says. ...
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New caller location system for mobile 111 calls

Communications
Wed 10 May 2017
Police Minister Paula Bennett, Communications Minister Simon Bridges and Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne, today announced a new caller location system for 111 mobile phone calls that will improve public safety and help save lives. “The new system will automatically provide emergency services with a probable location of a caller when they dial 111,” Mrs Bennett says. ...
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Techweek’17 to encourage global thinking

Communications
Fri 5 May 2017
Communications Minister Simon Bridges has acknowledged the start of Techweek’17, a nationwide event that will showcase New Zealand-grown technology and innovation to the world. The annual events kicks off tomorrow and runs to 14 May. It will see more than 150 events held across New Zealand, with a theme of ‘local answers to global questions’. ...
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Techweek’17 to encourage global thinking

Communications
Fri 5 May 2017
Communications Minister Simon Bridges has acknowledged the start of Techweek’17, a nationwide event that will showcase New Zealand-grown technology and innovation to the world. The annual events kicks off tomorrow and runs to 14 May. It will see more than 150 events held across New Zealand, with a theme of ‘local answers to global questions’. ...
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Techweek’17 to encourage global thinking

Communications
Fri 5 May 2017
Communications Minister Simon Bridges has acknowledged the start of Techweek’17, a nationwide event that will showcase New Zealand-grown technology and innovation to the world. The annual events kicks off tomorrow and runs to 14 May. It will see more than 150 events held across New Zealand, with a theme of ‘local answers to global questions’. ...
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