Rural Link Communities

Rural communities around New Zealand are using wireless networks to take broadband Internet where phone-line networks just don’t reach. Rural Link helps these communities plan, build, and operate these networks.


Read the case studies below to learn about our involvement with communities in New Zealand and around the world. If you live in one of the communities below, follow the links to see how you can get connected and involved. If your community is currently under-served, then please contact us to talk about how we can help.

CRCNet – Western Waikato, North Island, New Zealand

CRCNet is a large scale wireless network connecting nine schools in the western and southern Waikato. CRCnet was built on wireless technologies operating in the 2.4GHz band, and has since been upgraded with higher bandwidth equipment. This network has enjoyed a high level of community involvement, and is currently being extended to other rural communities in the region.

Ngaroma – Southern Waikato, North Island, New Zealand

The Ngaroma, Wharepuhunga, and Arohena communities in the South Waikato have asked Rural Link to help them establish a broadband network. This community effort is underway now.

Te Pahu – Western Waikato, North Island, New Zealand

In Te Pahu, 40km out of Hamilton, the Te Pahu Community Network and Rural Link are using Ministry of Economic Development Broadband Challenge funding to build a radio link to Hamilton and a hub in Te Pahu that will supply wireless broadband to the 1000 residents of the town.

Tuhoe Online – Te Urewera National Park, North Island, New Zealand

Te Urewera National Park projects have spanned a number of years, resulting in broadband internet access for four of the most remote schools in the North Island. Several projects were undertaken in association with the New Zealand 2020 Communications Trust and Ngai Tuhoe, culminating in the tribe’s successful application to the Ministry of Economic Development’s Broadband Challenge in 2006.

Transkei – South Africa

A rural tele-health project was undertaken in the Transkei region of southern Africa in 2005. The WAND group provided design expertise, equipment (later branded Rural Link), and supervised installation.

Samoa

Villages in Samoa (previously Western Samoa) received broadband internet access this year through a Rural Link network installed by local internet service provider CSL. The network will provide internet access to a number of local schools and businesses, and features a wireless point to point link to Manono Island.