A third of all rural schools will have their internet infrastructure upgraded by Christmas, says Communications Minister Stephen Joyce.

The rural broadband infrastructure is due to be rolled out over the next few weeks.

Nearly $1 billion  was earmarked in the budget for the Government’s ultra-fast and rural broadband initiatives.

The joint contract was awarded to Telecom and Vodafone. 

Within 5 years they must deliver high-speed internet to 95 percent of rural schools and 86 per cent of rural households.

The upgrade involves building 150 new cell phone towers and laying 3000 kilometres of new fibre network.