Vector today announced plans to extend its fibre optic network with Vodafone its flagship customer.

Vodafone is the first commercial customer who will access the 300km plus extension to Vector’s fibre optic network in Auckland.

The build stretches from the North Shore to Papakura to Henderson and creates a fibre backbone ring for the Auckland region. Vector’s current fibre optic network length in Auckland is around 500 kms.

Vector CEO Simon Mackenzie said under the agreement Vodafone is the flagship customer of the new build and will deliver improved services for mobile and broadband customers.

“As we have previously discussed, Vector views partnerships between infrastructure and retail/service providers such as Vector and Vodafone as the most effective way for New Zealand to advance its telecommunications offerings to customers. This agreement further cements a long term partnership between the two companies and shows what is possible if we join forces,” said Mr Mackenzie.

Under the terms of the agreement Vodafone will use part of the fibre optic network to enhance mobile phone and broadband services.

"We look forward to working with Vector in this key partnership. The high capacity fibre removes barriers and is a pivotal enabler in providing the next generation of services, both fixed and mobile to Auckland Vodafone customers," said Vodafone NZ CEO Russell Stanners.

Vector’s fibre optic network is open access and this extension will offer opportunities to other telecommunications providers to take advantage of the true broadband capability.

“The extension to our fibre network in Auckland means we will further the development of true broadband, expand our customer reach and enable greater competition in the unbundled local loop environment,” said Mr Mackenzie.

This build connects 40 of Vector’s electricity substations which will enable the development of state of the art electricity network management. In addition the network will connect to 41 of Telecom’s exchanges. The connection of the Telecom exchanges by Vector's fibre network will enable telecommunications providers access to Telecom's Unbundled copper local loop (UCLL) and remove bandwidth constraints currently experienced before the exchange, increasing the reliability and speed of broadband services to customers.

Vector itself will build on its current communication business which uses its fibre network to offer broadband services to business and wholesale customers such as ISP's and other Telecommunication companies.