The Remote Users Scheme (RUS) focused on increasing the availability of broadband connectivity in rural and remote New Zealand.
Digital connectivity programmes have worked to cover large parts of Aotearoa including many small communities. However, some areas still remained to be covered. These are some of the most remote areas and people across the country and are difficult to find a solution for.
Through the Remote Users Scheme, eligible households and communities in Aotearoa’s most remote areas – where broadband is not currently available and there is only access to voice calling and text services – were able to apply for support. The Scheme was also available in rural areas with poor internet coverage.
The first phase of RUS aimed to provide a broadband internet service to an area by extending existing networks. Those still without coverage after this had been done, were eligible to receive a one-off grant of up to $2,000 towards set up and installation costs of a suitable broadband solution.
Existing digital connectivity programmes
Reaching those with no connectivity
The RUS launched with a Call for Applications from people in rural and remote areas who have no and/or poor connectivity at their principal residence.
Letters were sent to those known to have no and/or poor connectivity and local communities will also mobilise on the ground to ensure as many people without connectivity were aware of the scheme and could apply.
To be eligible, it is required to provide your name, address, and details of the household, along with confirmation that you believe you have no or poor internet connectivity.
Providing coverage
Once applications are received and verified for eligibility, NIFF will prepare an RFP to invite tenders from telecommunications providers to provide connectivity infrastructure for those in areas with no or poor connectivity options.
If your household has registered and is still unable to receive coverage, you may be eligible for the Remote Users Scheme grants, through a rebate system. This will provide one-off grants of up to $2000 to households that do not have access to connectivity, or planned connectivity, at the completion of the coverage extensions under existing government programmes.
Grants will be made to eligible applicants in the order in which they are received, up to the remaining funding available. You will need to provide an invoice or evidence of payment towards the setup or installation costs incurred.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the RUS, applicants should:
Have a principal residence in a rural or remote area. This could include:
- Owner occupied dwellings
- Multiple principal residences on a single property
- Tenanted dwellings
- Farmhouses occupied by share farmers (usually under a “right to reside” arrangement)
- Occupied dwellings on Māori land.
Not be capable of receiving a commercial broadband service or have a poor service. This will include both existing and planned coverage (if any) in the area.