Next month a group of New Zealanders will test the world's fastest fibre broadband experience. From mid-March, 30 volunteers will get early access to 10 Gbps.

The 10 Gbps trial is a collaborative project. It will use Nokia's XGS-PON (passive optical network) fibre technology.

Because Chorus is a wholesale broadband provider, its retail partners will also help with the trial. Kordia, 2degrees, Trustpower and Stuff Fibre are among the first retail service providers to sign up to take part in the trial. Others are expected to follow.

10 Gbps volunteers needed

To take part in the trial, the 30 volunteers need to already be signed up for a 1 Gbps plan with one of the partner RSPs. They also have to live in one of three Chorus exchange areas: Johnsonville in Wellington, Avondale and Birkenhead in Auckland.

Another requirement is a device with a 10 Gbps port. Trialists also need to be prepared to provide feedback on the service.

The trial is most suitable for people who work with large data files, say movies or high-quality audio. It may also be useful for homes with a number of high-end gamers or use other demanding applications.

Chorus chief customer officer, Ed Hyde says the service will underpin New Zealand's digital future. He says it will "continue our decade long commitment to innovation and keeping New Zealand’s broadband infrastructure at the cutting edge."

If the trial is a success, Chorus aims to eventually roll out the 10 Gbps service nationwide. Before then, it may extend the trial to more users.

Provincial Growth Fund to connect marae to net

The government will spend $21 million of the Provincial Growth Fund connecting marae to the internet and establishing a network of Regional Digital Hubs.

The Hubs will be places where people who may not have internet access can get on line. They will offer wi-fi and co-working spaces. The money is on top of the $80 million set aside earlier to boost the second phase of the Rural Broadband Initiative and the Mobile Blackspot fund. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says it is part of the government's commitment to bridging the digital divide.

The first marae to receive PGF funding for digital connectivity are Oromahoe (Te Tai Tokerau), Te Houhanga (Te Tai Tokerau) and Raupunga Te Huki (Heretaunga).

Vodafone dangles Sky Sport carrot

Vodafone is offering 12 months free Sky Sport to customers with eligible home broadband plans who sign for Vodafone TV. Eligible plans start at around $120 a month while Sky Sport normally cost around $30 a month.

Tonga cable returns after two weeks offline

The single submarine cable connecting Tonga's main island of Tongatapu to the rest of the world has been restored. It was offline for two weeks after being cut on January 20. When the maintenance ship restored the main island cable it discovered the link from there to the Northern Islands was also cut and is now working to fix that.