This May, Lightwire celebrates 20 years of connecting people, businesses, and communities.

From humble beginnings as a University of Waikato research project in 2001, our journey has always been grounded in a simple idea - that everyone deserves access to reliable internet, no matter where they are.

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Rural roots

Our story started with CRCNet, a project focused on planning and building wireless broadband networks for rural Waikato communities. By 2006, that vision became a reality with the launch of RuralLink, bringing connectivity to homes, schools, and businesses across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

In 2012, Rural Link became Lightwire - a reflection of how far we’d come, and where we were heading.

Wireless broadband remains our foundation, and it continues to play a vital role in connecting communities that would otherwise be left behind.

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Bridging the digital divide

For many of our customers, connectivity isn’t just convenience - it’s essential. It enables education, supports farming operations, powers businesses, and keeps families connected.

That’s why we’ve continued to evolve.

In 2024, we took another step forward by building our own fibre networks in rural areas that were unlikely to be serviced by larger providers. Communities like Highfield Country Estate (Gordonton), Ngahinapouri, and Acacia Cove Retirement Village are now benefiting from faster, more reliable connections.

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Supporting businesses across NZ & AU

In 2017, we expanded into business services - bringing our expertise into the B2B space.

Today, we work closely with IT providers and Managed Service Providers across New Zealand and Australia, delivering scalable voice and data solutions through our Wholesale and Channel Partnership programmes.

Nearly a decade into our Australian presence, we continue to grow alongside our partners and customers.

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Built on steady growth and strong partnerships

Lightwire is now the ninth-largest internet service provider in New Zealand - but growth has never been about scale alone.

We’ve focused on building strong, reliable infrastructure. On forming trusted partnerships. And on supporting our customers with solutions that work - without unnecessary complexity.

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Thank you

Reaching 20 years is something we’re incredibly proud of, but it’s also something we share with our customers, partners, and communities.

Thank you for being part of the journey so far.

We’re excited for what’s ahead - and we’re just getting started.

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