Slow Broadband? A New $2000 Rural Broadband Grant Could Help!

A new Remote Users Scheme is offering $2000 to help get better broadband to your home. If it sounds like something you could use, read on to learn more.

What is the Remote Users Scheme

The Remote Users Scheme (RUS) is focused on increasing the availability of broadband connectivity in rural and remote New Zealand. Provided by Crown-owned company Crown Infrastructure Partners (CIS), the scheme aims to identify eligible properties and then invite telecommunications providers to improve connectivity to those properties.

If that is not achievable, the scheme offers a grant to allow owner-occupiers to find their own solutions.

How does it work?

Applicants in rural and remote areas who have no and/or poor connectivity at their principal residence can apply for the RUS. Once deemed eligible, CIS will invite tenders from telecommunications providers to provide connectivity infrastructure for those in areas with no or poor connectivity options.

If your home is still unable to be covered, or the planned upgrades will not cover your property, you may be eligible for a one-off $2000 payment to assist in setting up your own solutions.

This could include setting up alternative broadband solutions, such as Starlink satellite broadband.

→Related article: Starlink Satellite Internet: All You Need to Know

Am I eligible?

To be eligible, applicants must have a principal residence in a rural or remote area. This could include:

1. Owner occupied dwellings
2. Multiple principal residences on a single property
3. Tenanted dwellings
4. Farmhouses occupied by share farmers (usually under a “right to reside” arrangement)
5. Occupied dwellings on Māori land.

and not be capable of receiving a commercial broadband service or have poor service. This will include both existing and planned coverage (if any) in the area.

How do I apply?

Simply visit the Crown Infrastructure website and fill out the form.

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About the author of this page

This report was written by Canstar Content Producer, Andrew Broadley. Andrew is an experienced writer with a wide range of industry experience. Starting out, he cut his teeth working as a writer for print and online magazines, and he has worked in both journalism and editorial roles. His content has covered lifestyle and culture, marketing and, more recently, finance for Canstar.