Residents in Allanton and Momona can now access faster internet speeds thanks to the rural broadband initiative.
Communications Minister Amy Adams said recently people in Allanton and Momona could now access faster broadband ''and the economic and social benefits this will bring''.
''Reliable access to the internet at home and at work and better mobile coverage where you are means better business tools, more ways to connect with customers and suppliers, new technologies for precision agriculture to explore, as well as more incentives for young people to stay in the area - these are some of the opportunities for your community.
''The Government's rural broadband programme reflects our commitment to rural communities. We are working with our private sector partners to provide services and coverage that would not otherwise be feasible.''
By 2016, 90% of New Zealanders in areas not covered by ultra fast broadband would have access to rural broadband.
Netspeed owner Stan Rivett, of Dunedin, said his company had been connecting customers in Allanton and Momona for the past month or so.
Mr Rivett said people were achieving good speeds, of 10 to 20 megabits per second, depending on their connection.
Rural broadband could not equal speeds in urban areas and would not ''fix everything''.
Yet the speed was enough to meet most people's needs, he said.
''For most people the RBI will work just fine.''
The Dunedin company was also busy connecting people to rural broadband in other parts of the country.
