According to "The New Zealand Institute", an independent think tank, a new high-speed broadband network would generate additional economic benefit for the country of $2.7 billion to $4.4 billion a year, with additional gains possible through enabling innovation.

The institute believes New Zealand should aim for 75% population coverage using fibre to the home(FTTH) within 10 years. However, lack of investment in broadband due to its inadequate regulatory framework will condemn New Zealand to slow economic growth.

"The proposed investment pathway does not come close to positioning New Zealand to achieve the broadband aspiration in a timely manner. Significantly more investment is required," institute chief executive David Skilling said.

Full details of the report can be viewed here .