New Zealand - 2degrees is concerned that the Rural Broadband Initiative will reduce choice for consumers

[news talk zb] 2degrees wants assurances the rural broadband initiative will lead to greater choice for customers

The nation's fastest-growing mobile player wants assurances the Rural Broadband Initiative will lead to real choice for consumers.

Vodafone and Telecom are pushing a joint proposal worth about $300 million.

But newcomer 2degrees is worried it'll end up being a high-speed version of the mobile duopoly we already have. Chief Executive, Eric Hertz, says without public funding, none of the mobile operators would be considering fast rural broadband.

He'd like an assurance the funding will see more than two players competing equally and vigorously. He says history has shown how mobile phone users fare, when competition is left to the incumbents.

Assurances sought over broadband plans