infonews.co.nz New Zealand Internet news

InternetNZ welcomes Government announcement on software patents

Internet NZ — Thu, 09 May 2013 02:35:20 GMT

InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) welcomes today's tabling of a Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) that makes it clear that computer software is not patentable in New Zealand.

The SOP will amend a section of the Patents Bill dealing with computer software, drawing to a close years of wrangling between software developers, ICT players and multinational heavyweights over the vexed issue of patentability of software.

The question of software patents has been an important issue for InternetNZ for several years. InternetNZ has previously made submissions on the issue, noting that software is inextricably linked to the good functioning of the Internet. Patenting software would not only make the continued development of the Internet more difficult, it would reduce innovation and could well stymie interoperability of various software platforms.

InternetNZ spokesperson Susan Chalmers says InternetNZ is happy to see the issue now resolved and looks forward to the passage and implementation of the Patents Bill, a long-awaited and much needed update to a large component of New Zealand's intellectual property regime.

"We look forward to the innovation-enabling effects that this law will encourage. One way it will do that is through introducing clarity. Often, intellectual property laws have a chilling effect on innovation because those who want to build or design software just don't want to take the risk on new projects for fear of facing legal action.

"With greater clarity, New Zealand firms will have the benefit of a regulatory environment that encourages them to go ahead and innovate," she says.

(Source)

Free WIFI hits the Beach

Tararua District Council — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 07:25:17 GMT

INTERNET

Akitio Beach residents can now access fast wireless internet services being provided by Inspire Net.

Additionally at Akitio Beach, there are two areas around the boat club and community centre that allow free wifi of 100 megabytes, per month, per device, for visitors and locals alike to check their email at the beach. The Akitio School has also been connected to a high-speed wireless connection under the Government’s Rural Broadband Initiative.

This has been made possible by the Inspire Net and Tararua District Council’s inter-town fibre project with a “wireless shot” from the fibre at the Council building in Dannevirke and the support of a few farmers to get over the hills. It is also possible for Inspire Net to build more towers to service more of the rural areas in the Tararua. However, to succeed, this usually requires a local “champion” farmer to rally support from their surrounding neighbours.

Inspire Net Managing Director, James Watts said, “We would like to focus on increasing the wireless services in the Tararua this year. There are many farms that will find our wireless service vastly better than their current internet services and it can be a lot cheaper than the other options. All they need to do is give us a call to see what is possible in their area.”

Most wireless systems need ‘line of sight’ with trees and hills often preventing individual properties from ‘seeing’ the internet feed. The Inspire Net service provides a dedicated five megabit per second download speed. This is the minimum household speed the Government is targeting to roll out over the next nine years for urban fibre broadband services.

If you have any enquiries regarding please contact Peter Wimsett, Manager Strategy and District Development on 06 374 4080.

(Source)

Short term uncertainty for long term stability: today's telco reviews – InternetNZ

Internet NZ — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 02:39:22 GMT

INTERNET

InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) today responded to the announcement by Hon Amy Adams, Minister of Communications and IT, that two reviews (of the Telecommunications Service Obligation and the broader telecommunications regulatory framework) are to begin immediately.

“There are four important points to make about today’s announcement,” says Susan Chalmers, Spokesperson for InternetNZ.

“First: openness. Minister Adams’ announcement means that New Zealand can now have the open debate about the transition from copper to fibre communications infrastructure. The UFB and RBI were developed with a degree of commercial secrecy – reasonable enough given their nature as business transactions, including the complexity of separating Telecom, but creating difficulties in having a full and open policy debate where all voices could be heard.

“This review needs to be done with open engagement and involvement of all affected parties. We reiterate our intention to help in getting people together to talk through the issues, and our offer to host roundtables or similar events to get dialogue started,” says Chalmers.

“Second: certainty. Calling forward these reviews does not contribute to certainty for investors, for retail service providers or for consumers. Any policy review creates uncertainty, by opening up the possibility of legislative and regulatory change.

“The only hope for certainty is an open review that leads to a commitment to the existing policy framework, or to broadly agreed changes. The industry and the markets need to accept that the time these reviews will take should be worth the short term uncertainty they cause.

“Thirdly: who pays? The one year delay in moving wholesale copper broadband to a cost-based price means one more year of copper broadband customers paying today’s copper prices – almost certainly higher than what will be in place after copper services move to a cost-based pricing formula.

“This will help Chorus’s bottom line – but is it the best way to help finance the UFB? Part of the policy review should aim to identify whether the UFB needs more resources than the package Chorus and the other LFCs signed up to – and to transparently identify how any gap is paid for. It is not immediately obvious that existing copper broadband customers should be asked to fund any gap, nor that Chorus cannot meet the contractual obligations it signed up for when committing to the UFB.

“Fourthly, copper remains important. Both reviews, if they conclude that change is needed, must recognise that while the UFB is being built, competitive copper broadband services are vital to the huge majority of households. A quarter of households will never get access to fibre in any case. Fibre is the future for most, but copper is today for almost everyone – and is the main access technology for most New Zealanders for the next few years,” says Chalmers.

“New Zealand needs the fibre that the Government has committed to delivering, including by investing significant sums of taxpayer money. We are as strongly supportive of that vision – of fibre to the home for as many New Zealanders as possible – as we were when John Key announced it in 2008.

“Yet the challenge of an effective move to fibre is a real one, as is the challenge of guaranteeing universal service through the TSO. The challenge now is to review the policy framework and to do it in a way that minimises uncertainty. This is not an easy combination.

“InternetNZ will continue to support a competitive telecommunication policy framework that deals effectively with the pressures created by the migration from copper to fibre broadband. These reviews give us all a chance to test whether today’s framework can deliver that or whether changes are needed. An open, transparent review is the best guarantee that any future decisions will create the certainty that the industry needs – after the inevitable period of uncertainty today’s announcement will bring,” says Chalmers.

(Source)

InternetNZ calls for wider discussion on copper / fibre conundrum

Internet NZ — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 06:07:28 GMT

INTERNET

InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) today calls for a wider discussion on how to secure the Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB) rollout given recent controversy around copper broadband pricing issues.

Late last year, the Commerce Commission issued a draft determination that would reduce the price that wholesaler Chorus could charge for copper. Subsequently, the Prime Minister made comments linking the cuts to price with the implications it might have on the financial viability of the UFB rollout.

Fibre broadband is more expensive than copper and the Government and Chorus are concerned that reducing the copper price could stymie the uptake of fibre.

InternetNZ Spokesperson Susan Chalmers says the copper / fibre conundrum is one of the most challenging telecommunications regulatory issues ever to face the country.

“The problem lies in rolling out a $5bn fibre network with only $1.5bn available. In addition, that fibre network must compete with a legacy copper network that is already cheaper than its faster counterpart. The December 2012 decisions would make copper even cheaper” she says.

“The reason for the price drop is the legislative requirement to base copper broadband prices on their costs. This was passed into law in 2011 as part of the deal separating Telecom and Chorus. It always pointed to lower copper prices.

“An open acknowledgement of the challenge that low copper prices causes for UFB has now happened: Chorus could not have been clearer. The question now is what comes next? Given the alleged contradiction between low copper prices and successful UFB rollout, what is to be done?

“InternetNZ has always supported open policy processes. When the UFB deal was put together, of necessity it had to be under conditions of commercial secrecy and confidentiality. This, inevitably, meant a lack of consultation and industry engagement. Now we are beyond that period. It is time for an open debate. The UFB is a critical investment in New Zealand’s future. The Government, industry and consumers need to test the truth of Chorus’s claims that cost-based copper prices put the UFB at risk. All parties need to share their ideas about how to make the UFB work,” says Chalmers.

“InternetNZ is willing to assist with convening a roundtable discussion that takes a fresh look at the issues, if that would be helpful. We will write to ICT Minister Amy Adams today proposing such a discussion,” she says.

“InternetNZ appreciates the complexity of the problem. Chorus’ desire to retain a high copper price is one possible solution, but only 75 percent of the country will benefit from fibre. The remaining 25 percent will be left paying higher copper prices than they otherwise would have.

“InternetNZ wants the UFB rollout to succeed. We are not convinced that basing copper prices on cost precludes that outcome. Chorus obviously takes a different view. A discussion is therefore required.

“Whatever comes next, New Zealand needs to protect the independence of the Commerce Commission as independent regulator of the industry. The Commission didn’t create this problem – it is simply applying the law. The debate about how to make UFB work has to be had, and the evidence behind Chorus’s claims that cost-based copper prices undermine the UFB needs to be aired – and tested – in public,” says Chalmers.

(Source)

Tender - WI-FI Hotspot

Napier City Council — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 03:39:00 GMT

INTERNET - NAPIER

CONTRACT 822

WI-FI Hotspot along Marine Parade, Napier

Proposals are invited for the provision of a Wi-Fi Hotspot along the Marine Parade, Napier.

Napier City Council has already received a proposal and this request for proposals is being extended to all providers to ensure that everyone has a reasonable opportunity to submit a proposal.

Documents for the above contract are available from the Works Asset Office, 1st floor, Napier City Council, Civic Building, Hastings Street, Napier.

Tenders shall be enclosed in a self addressed sealed envelope stating the contract name and number with the supplier’s return address on the back and placed in the tender box at the Works Asset Office, Napier City Council, 231 Hastings Street, Napier no later than 12 noon on Wednesday 20 February 2013.

Council reserves the right to reject all proposals.

(Source)

Fast broadband for Great Barrier Island

Amy Adams — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 04:20:51 GMT

INTERNET

The Government’s commitment to improving rural connectivity now means residents, businesses and tourists on Great Barrier Island can abandon frustrating dial-up speeds and access faster technology, Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams says.

The island’s first wireless broadband tower was officially launched today by Prime Minister John Key, as part of the Government’s $300 Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI).

“Being able to access quality broadband and cell phone coverage on the island is essential for attracting new businesses and providing opportunities for residents to remain living and working on the island,” Ms Adams says.

“The new infrastructure will make it much easier for local businesses to interact with customers in other parts of New Zealand or overseas, and supports increased tourism, which means more jobs and more opportunities for the island’s residents.”

The Government’s investment also means the island’s three schools can connect to broadband, providing access to the best online teaching resources.

“The schools’ location is no longer a barrier to learning. Students and teachers will be able to draw on the best educational materials available, and easily connect with schools in other parts of the country.”

The RBI is addressing the specific broadband infrastructure needs of rural New Zealand.

Combined with the Government’s $1.35 billion Ultra-Fast Broadband programme for urban areas, 97.8 per cent of New Zealanders will have access to faster broadband.

By the middle of this year, about 300,000 businesses and homes will be able to connect to ultra-fast broadband, and about 1300 schools and 30 hospitals will have fibre to the gate. In addition, almost 100,000 rural homes and businesses are expected to have access to faster broadband.

(Source)

SEO NZ Company adds new service options for Its Customers

eMagic SEO Services Auckland — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 05:20:57 GMT

INTERNET

According to a recent study, more than 90 percent of consumers log onto the Internet to either research a company or search for deals before they ever make a purchase, and thanks to new services offered by eMagic, businesses across the globe will now be able to maximise their digital marketing efforts.

“We’re now offering one off services,” said Cameron Whitaker, director of eMagic, an SEO New Zealand company that specialises in helping business of all shapes, sizes and locations to stand out over their competition, regardless of the niche market they’re in.

“Before we only offered monthly packages that included multiple services. The one off services available include an SEO audit and Review, Google places optimisation, press releases, and consulting.”

Whitaker explained that the addition of its one off services are ideal for businesses who don’t need a comprehensive monthly strategy or for businesses that are happy with the majority of their online marketing, but want some help with one or two areas.

“It’s also ideal for small local businesses that still want great results but have a limited budget or simply don’t need a full program,” Whitaker pointed out.

The company director noted that customers will now have the opportunity to choose to pay for an individual service (one off payment) rather than only having the option to sign up for the company’s existing monthly packages.

The SEO Audit and Review, according to Whitaker, consists of detailed analysis that shows businesses how well their website is currently optimised for the search engines.

The audit, he said, reveals any problems that are impacting the particular businesses search engine rankings and includes comprehensive recommendations and fixes to ensure that their website is properly optimised to deliver results.

When it comes to their press release and distribution service, Whitaker stressed that eMagic has a team of professional writers who will craft news worthy press releases that will improve both brand visibility and search engine rankings.

He added that the Local SEO service will put customers’ local business on the map.

“We optimise your Google Places (Google+ Local) listing, which is Google’s business directory,” said Whitaker. “These are the maps listings that appear within the search results when location searches are used.”

As far as the online marketing consulting, Whitaker said eMagic will help put together a comprehensive online marketing plan that meets its customers’ business goals.

“We’ll do this by getting to know you and your business inside-out,” Whitaker said, before adding, “Many SEO consultants out there skip this vital part which leads to poor results.”

As to why anyone should try eMagic’s new one off services, Whitaker said, “eMagic understand every business is unique and each has their individual strengths and challenges. Through strategic planning and proper research we are able to create a results driven plan that works for your business. We only focus on the Internet marketing channels that will work for you and leave out anything that will waste your time and money.”

For more information, please visit: http://www.emagic.co.nz/

(Source)

Web Design Auckland Company Launches New Improved Content Management System

123 Online — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 05:06:47 GMT

INTERNET

New Zealand based web design Auckland company 123 Online is proud to announce the launch of their new user-friendly content management system. 123 Online provides an affordable solution for ecommerce businesses that generates a high quality business website at a fraction of competitor’s costs.

“Current content management systems brought into use by most small to medium sized businesses are usually so complex that only skilled web users and webmasters can take full advantage of them,” said 123 Online’s Project Manager Trent McDiarmid.

McDiarmid explained that valuable resources are wasted on waiting for specially hired IT management consultants or in-house IT staff to examine current content management systems and rectify problems.

He added that over time, the cost of updating ecommerce sites using off site freelancers becomes prohibitive. Until now, the only alternative has been spending hours of valuable time training one or two employees to do the job of an IT consultant or in-house specialist. As a result, complex, difficult to use, elaborate CMS’ are largely wasted.

Web Developers at 123 Online tackled user ability issues and other IT problems facing business owners and employees head on. By listening to the customer, they discovered the precise features most users like while also identifying the most disliked, or confusing CMS features.

123 Online has invested a considerable amount of time and money customising their new Content Management System based upon client feedback, and have custom designed a new, improved CMS that is as simple to navigate and as intuitive as possible.

McDiarmid goes onto say, “Our CMS software was developed for the end user, and features incredible user ability, smooth performance, and is more time and cost efficient. The intuitive design and user friendly features make content management processes faster and easier. This means 123 Online customers can spend more time on improving and expanding their businesses and less time on managing their websites and on-page SEO content.”

123 Online offers a sleek, high–end design and an organisational structure designed to cater to small to medium business’s needs.

The web design process involves Sales Consultants, Project Managers, Designers, Developers and Support Staff that larger companies enjoy.

McDiarmid continues, “Rather than adding to the burden of one person trying to do all these jobs themselves — often poorly — we are a web design company helps clients to cost effectively and efficiently take the weight off of business owner’s shoulders.”

For more information, please visit: http://www.123online.co.nz/

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Press release by eMagic: http://www.emagic.co.nz/press-releases/

(Source)

Rural Waikato Gets New Broadband

Gemma Stewart — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 09:22:11 GMT

INTERNET - WAIKATO

In partnership with the Government’s Rural Broadband Initiative, Woosh has announced it is providing rural Waikato customers with quality broadband and a range of flexible broadband and calling plans effective immediately.

Woosh General Manager of Operations, Richard Fry, says the company has used its experience of servicing rural Southland for the past eight years and is delighted it can now offer rural Waikato a broadband service that provides flexibility coupled with excellent value.

“Woosh now offers the widest range of rural broadband and calling plans on the market, with a plan to suit different customer needs, says Mr Fry. “Our highly competitive range of broadband plans feature transparency and the ability to move between plans at no extra cost. In addition we have worked hard to ensure customers are not disadvantaged for exceeding their data allowance, a common issue for many customers. Our extra data offering is the most competitive on the market.”

Woosh’s mobile installers ensure an efficient and effective installation process. Installation costs are also extremely competitively priced starting at only $114 for a standard install on an Unlimited Off-Peak plan or $229 for a standard install on its alternative Rural Broadband plans.

Waikato customers can find out if this service is available to them by calling 0800 4 WOOSH or online using the rural broadband coverage checker. Woosh is New Zealand’s top rated broadband provider for customer satisfaction (canstarblue.co.nz), has a 100% New Zealand based team and has extensive experience and a commitment to rural New Zealand.

For further information please contact:
Richard Fry, General Manager of Operations, Woosh Wireless (NZ) Limited
Tel: 021 315 760

(Source)

Sir Tim Berners-Lee lecture to be live-streamed

Internet NZ — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 06:27:03 GMT

INTERNET

Tomorrow evening, the inventor of the World Wide Web – Sir Tim Berners-Lee – will deliver a rare public lecture in Wellington exploring the benefits of an open and uncaptureable Internet. Due to an unprecedented level of public interest, a live-stream has been arranged for those who have missed out on tickets.

Berners-Lee’s lecture is proudly hosted by InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc), with the support of a number of sponsors – the Department of Internal Affairs, Chorus, Catalyst IT and Google.

The sold-out lecture will take place at 5.30pm at Soundings Theatre, Te Papa on Wednesday 30 January.

InternetNZ Community and Collaboration Lead Ellen Strickland says the wider community has thrown its weight behind Sir Tim’s lecture, with Open New Zealand organising live streaming venues in Auckland and Wellington.

Details of the live stream are available at http://new.livestream.com/i-filmscience/tbl-internetnz. Those interested in attending the live stream gatherings are encouraged to signup at https://tbl-livestream.lilregie.com/step1.

InternetNZ is pleased to see this incredible community support and demand to participate in the public lecture, says Strickland. “The live Web stream is a fitting way for Sir Tim’s message to reach a broader audience, and we welcome Open New Zealand’s move to organise venues for people to come together and watch the lecture together.

InternetNZ Policy Lead Susan Chalmers says Sir Tim’s message about Internet openness is critically important. Today’s Internet has openness at its core. The protocols that make up the fabric of the Internet allow anyone, anywhere to write new applications, develop new ideas and share them with the world.

“Sir Tim’s invention of the World Wide Web is a brilliant example of this. He did not need corporate approval to share the WWW with the world. He did not need to buy access to the technology. No government or regulator had to approve it before the public could use it.

“This openness is what makes the Internet so powerful. Innovation without permission, accessible to all, can change things for the better,” she says.

(Source)

Acting Chief Executive Announced

Internet NZ — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 03:32:09 GMT

INTERNET

InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) has appointed Jordan Carter as its Acting Chief Executive.

Mr Carter will lead the organisation while a new Chief Executive is recruited. His appointment commences on Monday 28 January 2013.

Mr Carter is a previous Deputy Executive Director and Policy Director of InternetNZ. In recent years he has worked as a contracted Policy Advisor for InternetNZ and for other clients in New Zealand and overseas.

"I am delighted we will have Jordan's skills and experience at our disposal in this transitional period," says InternetNZ President Dr Frank March.

"The Council will be moving quickly to recruit a permanent replacement Chief Executive. Jordan Carter's role is to lead the operating team in between Vikram Kumar's departure and the handover to a new permanent appointee, and to continue the development and implementation of InternetNZ's strategy, operations and work plan.

"He will work closely with the staff team, including with Policy Lead Susan Chalmers, who is InternetNZ's main spokesperson following Vikram Kumar's departure.

"It is important to the Council and to me that InternetNZ remains politically neutral and non-partisan. During his time as Acting Chief Executive, Jordan Carter will cease his involvement in both the Labour Party and the New Zealand Fabian Society,” says Dr March.

Jordan Carter says he is delighted with the appointment. "I am looking forward to the chance to lead the InternetNZ team at a very busy time for the organisation. The upcoming visit of Sir Tim Berners-Lee, preparations for NetHui 2013, and consultation with members about our strategic direction are just a few of the things I will be working on with the Council and the staff team.

"My focus from Monday is to serve InternetNZ - a challenge I am hugely looking forward to," Mr Carter says.

(Source)

Inventor of the Web to deliver public lecture in Wellington

Internet NZ — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 05:59:26 GMT

INTERNET - WELLINGTON CITY

InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) is pleased to announce that later this month the inventor of the World Wide Web – Sir Tim Berners-Lee – will visit Wellington to deliver a public lecture exploring the benefits of an open and uncaptureable Internet.

Proudly hosted by InternetNZ as part of Berner-Lee’s ‘TBL Down Under Tour’ (http://tbldownunder.org), the lecture will take place at Soundings Theatre, Te Papa at 5.30pm on Wednesday 30 January.

Registrations for the public lecture can be made at http://openinternetlecture.eventbrite.co.nz. Spaces are strictly limited and will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis.

Sir Tim Berners-Lee’s lecture will focus on the social, economic and innovation opportunities of the Internet. Through the story of his invention of the World Wide Web, he will explain why the Internet needs openness to deliver these opportunities. The lecture will deliver a powerful message: the value of the Open Internet and why it matters for New Zealand and the world.

The Government Chief Information Officer, Colin MacDonald, is a sponsor of the visit which will include meetings with senior government Ministers and officials including those working on the government’s aim for New Zealanders to complete their transactions with the Government easily in a digital environment. Berners-Lee will also be honoured with a traditional formal powhiri as part of this extremely important visit to New Zealand.

Berners-Lee is a globally-recognised and esteemed member of the Internet community, having invented the World Wide Web – an internet-based hypermedia initiative for global information sharing – while at CERN, the European Particle Physics Laboratory.

He is the Director of the World Wide Web Consortium, a Web standards organisation founded in 1994 which develops interoperable technologies to lead the Web to its full potential, and is a Director of the World Wide Web Foundation, launched in 2009 to coordinate efforts to further the potential of the Web to benefit humanity.

InternetNZ Community and Collaboration Lead Ellen Strickland says Berners-Lee’s contribution to the development of the Internet has been far-reaching, describing him as a pivotal figure in sparking the Internet revolution.

“The World Wide Web is a key Internet application and one of the most important inventions in the history of human communications. Since its development in 1990 the Web has grown exponentially and is now an inextricable part of most peoples lives,” she says.

“Sir Tim continues to champion the development of the Web, focusing on making data more open and accessible and working to counter threats to the openness of the Internet.

“InternetNZ encourages all those with an interest in the Web and the open Internet to attend this rare public lecture and hear from Berners-Lee in-person.”

Media interested in securing a media pass for the public lecture are asked to email office@internetnz.net.nz.

(Source)