Rural Communities Deserve Better Technology

RURAL COMMUNITIES DESERVE BETTER TECHNOLOGY

Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) are concerned that the roll-out of the 5G network short-changes rural New Zealand as many still struggle with basic cell phone coverage.

“The news that 5G cell phone technology will be rolled out by 2020 is great for some but not for all, and that is what bothers us,” says RWNZ Board Member and Technology Portfolio Convenor, Rachael Dean.

“Many of our rural communities do not have internet or cell phone access at all, let alone that of a high quality standard and the 5G roll-out seems yet another example of doing the easy stuff at the expense of rural New Zealand.

“Approximately half of New Zealand has no cell phone coverage due to geography which leads to isolation and inability to connect in this ever-increasing digital world – and this is not good enough.

“Rural New Zealand deserves high quality technology given the economy’s reliance on primary industries and tourism based in rural areas.

“New Zealand cannot afford for anyone to be left behind in the digital age.

“This lack of consideration of the impact on rural New Zealand is why it is so important for businesses and the Government to rural proof their decisions,” says Ms Dean.

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For further information, please contact National Office.

National Office

Rural Women New Zealand
04 473 5524
[email protected]