Telecom has been named as the initial preferred bidder to roll out ultra fast broadband to most of the country, including Auckland and Wellington.
The company missed out on Whangarei and the central North Island, when contracts were awarded to two energy networks last week.
Telecom will now start negotiations with Crown Fibre Holdings to provide a fibre network in 25 regions, except the Christchurch and Rangiora are, and Dunedin.
Enable Networks is the preferred bidder in Canterbury, and Flute Joint Venture, which is represented by Aururoa Energy, is the preferred bidder in Dunedin.
The Government will contribute $1.5 billion to the ultra fast broadband programme.
Communications Minister Steven Joyce says he expects contracts to be awarded in the first quarter of next year.
