Federated Farmers has surprised the telecommunications industry by placing a bid for the Government’s $300m rural broadband initiative.

Telecommunications Minister Steven Joyce announced some of the parties that had expressed interest in vying for the contract on Tuesday, among them was a new face – Fedztel.

The company was formed in February by Federated Farmers, the Feds say they want to get hands on in the rural broadband roll-out, and may join forces with one of the other applicants to strengthen their bid.

Fed Farmers is the sole shareholder. It has three directors: Fed Farmers chief executive Conor English, President Don Nicholson, and Vice-President Donald Aubrey.