30813 (2025). Hon Peeni Henare to the Minister for Media and Communications

30813 (2025). Hon Peeni Henare to the Minister for Media and Communications: What investment, if any, would be required to upgrade rural ISP infrastructure to avoid future interference-related outages, and how do these costs compare to the estimated cost of allocating dedicated spectrum for rural internet providers?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: Upgrades to rural ISP infrastructure will not necessarily prevent interference-related outages from occurring. Interference issues occur from time to time if a party does not follow the technical rules set by Radio Spectrum Management officials. MBIE employs Radio Spectrum Investigators to investigate and resolve claims of interference. Costs to allocate radio spectrum are met from MBIE baselines.