Orcon launches giveaway UFB offer to spur demand

Internet service provider admits existing UFB customers less than 200 among 1000 total nationally

Crown-owned internet service provider Orcon has announced a time limited free offer for Ultra Fast Broadband installation and services in an attempt to stimulate demand for its UFB plans.

Orcon CEO Scott Bartlett said that nationally, the government’s $1.5 billion UFB network passes by 60,000 premises. That number is expected to rise to 140,000 by the end of the year, however only 1000 of the premises where UFB was available were connected. Orcon has less than 200 UFB customers at present.

Under Orcon’s offer all types of customers will be offered UFB installation and service at Orcon’s base rate UFB plan worth $75 a month. Business customers and schools will be given a similar offer worth $129 + GST a month. The $75 a month plan includes 30 GB of data, with 30 Mbps down / 10 Mbps up.

According to Orcon these offers include the installation cost. But the catch is that customers are expected to continue the contract throughout 2013 at least at the usual base rate.

Earlier this year Orcon became one of the first companies to detail its UFB pricing plans, which included a 1 TB option.

Bartlett told journalists at a media event that his personal view was that it was unlikely that Vodafone or Telecom would launch fibre plans until 2014.

To see when your street will get fibre, check here.

To see if you are elligible for Orcon’s free installation check here.