Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey says he is pleased Spark has agreed to invest in the region’s infrastructure to improve connectivity for residents and business owners.

Doocey held a public meeting to address phone reception and slow internet speeds, after people contacted him with their frustrations.

Spark engagement and planning manager Graeme McCarrison, who flew down from Auckland for the meeting, said he was disappointed to hear of so many issues relating to the network.

There were plans to install new cellphone towers in Loburn to address known problems in that area, he said, but after hearing how widespread the issues were he committed to working with residents of Mandeville, Rangiora, Fernside and other parts of the district with gaps to find solutions.

McCarrison agreed to return at the end of February to update the community in another public meeting once he had determined the best way to resolve the issues.

Doocey said it was good to hear the company was prepared to engage with the community, but pointed out much of the frustration came from poor customer service and communication from Spark.

“I’m pleased to be able to bring the decision makers to the district so that voices of frustrated residents could be heard.

“As local MP people have been telling me the service is not fit for purpose but they have been given conflicting advice from their provider.

“I’ll be making sure Spark follows through on this commitment to its customers in Waimakariri who are paying for something that currently they are not getting.”

Representatives from Enable and Chorus also attended Monday’s meeting, Chorus CE Nathan Beaumont advising people to shop around if they were not getting the service they expected.

Residents can find out the best options for internet service for their address by visiting www.broadbandcompare.co.nz.