Full Flavour Rural Broadband Questions Tuatahi First Fibre's Price Hike Amid Significant Disparity with Chorus

Published: 5/3/23, 12:59 PM
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Full Flavour Rural Broadband, a regional broadband provider serving the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions, announces a price increase by Tuatahi First Fibre, the local fibre lines provider for Tauranga, Hamilton, and many other areas. The price increase of 6.5% will be effective from 1 July 2023.

Tuatahi First Fibre initiated its annual price review process, considering factors such as the cost to deliver exceptional services on its fibre network, maintaining its network and delivering new solutions, and addressing external cost pressures affecting the supply chain, customer delivery, and network operations. The consultation and feedback period was completed on 31 March 2023, and the final decision was made to increase prices by 6.5%.

Full Flavour Rural Broadband emphasises the significant price disparity between Tuatahi First Fibre and Chorus, the lines provider in neighbouring areas. Unfortunately, customers in Tuatahi-served areas may have to pay up to 9% more for an equivalent residential Max connection and 33% more for a business Max connection compared to Chorus.

"We believe that it's crucial to address the price differences between Tuatahi First Fibre and Chorus, as it raises questions about whether Tuatahi's price increase is justified," said Jesse Archer, Full Flavour General Manager. "We don't think it's fair that based on the region your home or business is located in should mean significantly more cost."

In response to these concerns, Full Flavour Rural Broadband has introduced a new Everyday Fibre plan, which is $10 cheaper than existing plans. While this plan may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those working from home, it is appropriate for the average family that is streaming Netflix and engaging in similar activities.