New Zealand – Communications and IT Minister Steve Joyce says the government will go ahead and spend $1.5 billion on upgrading New Zealand’s broadband fibre. Joyce confirmed that the spend will go ahead amid speculation over the government’s plans for broadband, and whether it is committed to spending $1.5 billion. He says the government’s focus will be on broadband infrastructure, such as the fibre. The main telecommunications companies have provided input into the strategy, and Joyce says their investment in the industry should be recognised. However, he says whether their investment will put the country on the right path in terms of achieving a step change in the state of New Zealand’s broadband, is another question. Telcos have voiced some criticism that users won’t utilise the new features of an upgraded system. But Joyce says broadband technology, both in terms of the applications and the wires that carry the data, are constantly evolving and a forward-thinking view needs to be taken about what the country’s needs might be in the future. Details of the government’s spend will be confirmed at a later date.