Google might be pushing for super fast fiber connections, but Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom has an even sweeter deal for Kiwis: free fiber for everyone.
Alright, so it's not exactly free, but it's definitely the best deal we've seen. In short, Dotcom is planning to set up the infrastructure for a system that would more than double New Zealand's broadband speeds, then turn it over to ISPs for free. The only catch is that Dotcom gets a cut of all the profits that come in from business and government customers.
The plan, born out of the ashes of Pacific Fiber's failure, would spare ISPs from the $400 million price tag of setting up the infrastructure, which would 'ideally' let them offer service to consumers for far less than normal. We're skeptical about their willingness to do that, but maybe we're just cynical about gigantic telecoms.
The really fun part is how Dotcom plans to fund the venture. Aside from being partly funded by Mega and private investors, Dotcom says the cash is going to come from lawsuits over the "unlawful and political destruction of my business" by Hollywood studios and the US Government.
It'll definitely be interesting to see how things turn out. Do you think Dotcom is about to revolutionize New Zealand's infrastructure, or is it just more hubris? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
Source: New Zealand Herald
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