RNZ Nine to Noon on Starlink, rural broadband, and the local providers at risk of closure, with Federated Farmers. Plus context the segment didn’t cover.
RNZ Midday Rural News on Starlink and rural broadband. Background on the structural risk, the policy context, and what’s at stake for rural New Zealand.
The Commerce Commission’s independent expert warned of LEO satellite monopoly risk in October 2025. MBIE internal documents from May 2024 described the same market as a monopoly while the formal OIA response said no analysis existed. Part 2 sets out what was known and when.
Between October 2025 and March 2026, 28 OIA requests went to 18 government agencies asking what analysis had been done on rural broadband monopoly risk. Sixteen of twenty-one core questions returned “information does not exist.” Part 1 documents the analytical vacuum.
The Commerce Commission has recommended deregulating rural copper services, giving Chorus the ability to retire copper lines well before 2030. While copper is old technology, around 70,000 New Zealanders still rely on it as a lifeline, particularly in places with no mobile coverage or reliable power. Our latest blog looks at what this decision means, the risks for vulnerable communities, and why careful planning is essential to ensure no one is left behind.