About Lightwire
When a couple of telecommunications experts in Waikato were frustrated by slow or no internet in rural communities and schools, they decided to fix it and close the rural connectivity gap.
On a mission to close the rural connectivity gap
How many times do you use the internet each day?
The average daily social media usage of internet users worldwide amounts to 145 minutes per day, streaming services account for another 76 minutes each day. Throw work, entertainment and education on top of that and we are talking more than 10 hours per day of internet usage on average!
But if you live rural and aren’t with Lightwire, using the internet isn’t easy for you. There are 61,186 rural households across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, and too many of these don’t realise there is a better option for them than contended 4G services.
THEY ARE BEING HELD BACK, AND WITHOUT LIGHTWIRE, SO ARE YOU.
This is serious stuff, poor internet robs you of so much value. It holds back the kids study, it ruins your in-home streaming experience, it stops you working from a beautiful setting and forces you into peak hour traffic.
This is why Lightwire exists. We were created to help you derive as much value as possible from living rurally. No big city focus, we only care about here.
We help more than 8,000 households across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty do more from here by providing fast speeds, free install, a relentless focus on service uptime, local support and unlimited data.
It’s internet, built for here
Our Values
Technology is our means, humanity is our foundation. We embrace a set of values that power our results, shape our culture, and lead to strong relationships inside our company and out.
We Care
We are focused on the best outcomes for our customers, communities, and team.
We Grow as People
We foster and challenge a highly capable and motivated team to be a bit better every day.
We Are Experts
We are a talented and collaborative team who work together to create smart and innovative solutions.
We Can Do It
No problem is too big. We are trustworthy, resourceful problem solvers who get the job done.
Great internet starts with a great team
Scott Raynel, Ph. D – CEO
Scott has been with Lightwire since its inception in 2006 and was a member of the original CRCnet research project that was eventually commercialised into Rural Link.
Mike Cook – Head of Rural
Mike Cook has led the Rural team at Lightwire for the last four years and in that time has been focused on upgrading Lightwire’s radio technology and power systems in advance of surging customer demand.
David Rowe – Head of Service
Dave joined Lightwire in 2017 and has been responsible for the development of the customer care team and its systems and processes, leading projects to drive customer satisfaction.
Sheree Carter – NOC Lead
Sheree is responsible for leading the Network Operations Centre (NOC) team. She’s passionate about customer service and is making continuous improvements that result in better customer experiences, every day.
Lightwire's history
Late 2001
The beginning of CRCnet
Initial CRCNet (Connecting Rural Communities using WiFi) research project founded by Dr Murray Pearson, Dr Tony McGregor and Jamie Curtis at the University of Waikato’s WAND Network Research Group, part of the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences.
The CRCNet Project was designed to be easy to use and to reduce the level of technical knowledge that is required to plan, build and operate a rural wireless network.
The project made it possible for rural communities to group together and get broadband style access to their schools and houses without having to rely on existing telecommunications infrastructure.
19 September 2002
CRCNet makes national news & Wins government grant
The CRCNet project featured in the New Zealand Herald after connecting 7 rural schools close to Hamilton but out of range of existing telecommunications infrastructure.
The Waikato University won a grant of $927,000 for the CRCNet project from the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology to install high-speed wireless internet service for eight schools from west of Te Awamutu to Ngaruawahia.
2005
CRCNet Rapid Deployment
Alongside the rural wireless network platform the CRCnet project is developed wireless equipment and software for use in rapid deployments.
Rapidly deployable wireless equipment could provide emergency networks for Civil Defence after a disaster or simply be used to provide a temporary Internet connection to the location of a special event.
2005
Prime minister visits CRCNET
Helen Clark (PM 2005) came to visit the CRCNet research project and personally test out the internet at the schools the CRCNet project connected.
May 2006
Rural link commercialisation
The University of Waikato through its commercialisation arm WaikatoLink entered into a joint venture with local rural technology company Rezare Systems to commercialise elements of the CRCNet research project.
On the 5th of May, 2006, Rural Link was commercialised to bring high-speed wireless broadband to households, businesses and communities throughout rural Waikato.
2008
Internet at uni dorms
With students increasingly bringing their own devices to campus, the demand for internet access outside of traditional computer labs was growing. Through its partnership with the University of Waikato, Rural Link began providing fixed-line internet services to students staying at the Halls of Residence while studying at the University.
2009
Prepay Internet
In 2009 Rural Link launched Lightwire Prepay, a casual pre-paid WiFi internet service across the University of Waikato campus, Halls of Residence, CBD, and other locations such as sports grounds and events centres. This same platform also powered the Hamiltonline free CBD WiFi network.
August 2009
500 RURAL customers
Alongside the development of internet access on campus, the rural network was still growing. In August 2009, Rural Link grew to 500 rural customers subscribed to a monthly broadband service across its small Waikato network.
2010
LIGHTWIRE at home
The Lightwire Prepay service was expanded to provide internet access to apartment blocks and student flats across Hamilton, which allowed students who lived off-campus to use their same internet account both on and off campus.
2012
Rural link consultancy
With its unique capability set stemming from an academic network research background coupled with real-world implementation know-how, Rural Link was an effective knowledge partner for organisations involved in leading-edge network deployments.
Rural Link provided consulting and expertise to a number of organisations across the Waikato involved in building and maintaining next generation networks.
2012
Rebranding to Lightwire
Andrew Johnson brought well-needed business discipline and investment into Rural Link. The company was rebranded under the Lightwire brand which allowed it to operate more easily across different market segments.
Under Andrew’s leadership, the company doubled down on our core competency, rural wireless broadband.
2013 – 2015
Capital Injection into the rural network
With the help of newly acquired business discipline and investment, Lightwire made the biggest ever push into the network with 2 – 3 new site builds every month throughout the 2013 to 2015 period, briging thousands of households in rural Waikato the ability to connect to fast wireless broadband for the first time.
August 2013
1,000 Customers
In August 2013, Lightwire grew to 1000 rural customers subscribed to a monthly service. Doubling the monthly customer number gave Lightwire’s senior leadership team the confidence to continue investing into the network.
January 2015 & November 2015
2,000 & 3,000 Customers
The heavy investment into the network paid off with 2015 being a massive year for Lightwire in terms of customer growth.
2016
Lightwire Acquires Netsmart
Lightwire acquired the broadband arm of Netsmart. Netsmart was the Bay of Plenty’s largest independent rural broadband provider that connected roughly 1000 households throughout rural Bay of Plenty. The acquisition allowed Lightwire to expand the geographic reach of its services into the neighbouring region.
2017
Lightwire Business
Brendan Ritchie approached Andrew Johnson with the offer to build out Lightwire’s business unit that specialises in serving businesses with internet, voice, and managed WAN solutions. A few days later Lightwire Business was born.
November 2017
5,000 RURAL Customers
Lightwire grew to 5,000 rural customers with the majority of the customer base located in rural Waikato.
2017
RBI2 Funding
In late 2017, Lightwire was contracted by Crown Infrastructure Partners under the second phase of the Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI2). The implementation of the initiative enhances the broadband coverage in Waikato and Bay of Plenty to an extra 1,990 households and businesses, as well as 20 marae.
May 2021
7,500 Rural Customers
All marketing was brought in-house over 2020 and 2021, and as a result, Lightwire saw a record growth in customers.
May 2021
15 Years of Lightwire
On May the 5th, 15 years ago Lightwire (CRCnet/Rural Link) was commercialised. 15 years of Lightwire wouldn’t be possible without our great customers and staff.
Lightwire's History
Late 2001
THE BEGINNING OF CRCNET
Initial CRCNet (Connecting Rural Communities using WiFi) research project founded by Dr Murray Pearson, Dr Tony McGregor and Jamie Curtis at the University of Waikato’s WAND Network Research Group, part of the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences.
The CRCNet Project was designed to be easy to use and to reduce the level of technical knowledge that is required to plan, build and operate a rural wireless network.
The project made it possible for rural communities to group together and get broadband style access to their schools and houses without having to rely on existing telecommunications infrastructure.
19 September 2002
CRCNET MAKES NATIONAL NEWS & WINS GOVERNMENT GRANT
The CRCNet project featured in the New Zealand Herald after connecting 7 rural schools close to Hamilton but out of range of existing telecommunications infrastructure.
The Waikato University won a grant of $927,000 for the CRCNet project from the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology to install high-speed wireless internet service for eight schools from west of Te Awamutu to Ngaruawahia.
2005
CRCNET RAPID DEPLOYMENT
2005
PRIME MINISTER VISITS CRCNET
Helen Clark (PM 2005) came to visit the CRCNet research project and personally test out the internet at the schools the CRCNet project connected.
May 2006
RURAL LINK COMMERCIAL-ISATION
With students increasingly bringing their own devices to campus, the demand for internet access outside of traditional computer labs was growing. Through its partnership with the University of Waikato, Rural Link began providing fixed-line internet services to students staying at the Halls of Residence while studying at the University.
2008
INTERNET AT UNI DORMS
2009
PREPAY INTERNET
500 RURAL CUSTOMERS
LIGHTWIRE AT HOME
RURAL LINK CONSULTANCY
With its unique capability set stemming from an academic network research background coupled with real-world implementation know-how, Rural Link was an effective knowledge partner for organisations involved in leading-edge network deployments.
Rural Link provided consulting and expertise to a number of organisations across the Waikato involved in building and maintaining next generation networks.
2012
REBRANDING TO LIGHTWIRE
Andrew Johnson brought well-needed business discipline and investment into Rural Link. The company was rebranded under the Lightwire brand which allowed it to operate more easily across different market segments.
Under Andrew’s leadership, the company doubled down on our core competency, rural wireless broadband.
2013 – 2015
CAPITAL INJECTION INTO THE RURAL NETWORK
With the help of newly acquired business discipline and investment, Lightwire made the biggest ever push into the network with 2 – 3 new site builds every month throughout the 2013 to 2015 period, bringing thousands of households in rural Waikato the ability to connect to fast wireless broadband for the first time.
August 2013
1000 RURAL CUSTOMERS
In August 2013, Lightwire grew to 1000 rural customers subscribed to a monthly service. Doubling the monthly customer number gave Lightwire’s senior leadership team the confidence to continue investing into the network.
January 2015 & November 2015
2,000 & 3,000 CUSTOMERS
The heavy investment into the network paid off with 2015 being a massive year for Lightwire in terms of customer growth.
LIGHTWIRE ACQUIRES NETSMART
Lightwire acquired the broadband arm of Netsmart. Netsmart was the Bay of Plenty’s largest independent rural broadband provider that connected roughly 1000 households throughout rural Bay of Plenty. The acquisition allowed Lightwire to expand the geographic reach of its services into the neighbouring region.
2017
LIGHTWIRE BUSINESS
Brendan Ritchie approached Andrew Johnson with the offer to build out Lightwire’s business unit that specialises in serving businesses with internet, voice, and managed WAN solutions. A few days later Lightwire Business was born.
November 2017
5,000 RURAL CUSTOMERS
Lightwire grew to 5,000 rural customers with the majority of the customer base located in rural Waikato.
2017
RBI2 FUNDING
In late 2017, Lightwire was contracted by Crown Infrastructure Partners under the second phase of the Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI2). The implementation of the initiative enhances the broadband coverage in Waikato and Bay of Plenty to an extra 1,990 households and businesses, as well as 20 marae.
May 2021
7,500 RURAL CUSTOMERS
All marketing was brought in-house over 2020 and 2021, and as a result, Lightwire saw a record growth in customers.
May 2021
15 YEARS OF LIGHTWIRE
On May the 5th, 15 years ago Lightwire (CRCnet/Rural Link) was commercialised. 15 years of Lightwire wouldn’t be possible without our great customers and staff.
Questions about Lightwire?
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