The Christchurch City Council has voted to place extra protections around its broadband company, making it harder to sell.
The council has a policy of selling $600 million worth of assets.
So far it has only attempted to sell one - the roading and maintenance company City Care - which failed to find a buyer.
Today, it voted to place broadband roll-out company Enable on its list of strategic assets, which meant it would need to consult with the public before selling it.
It also asked for a staff report on whether City Care should be placed on the list as well, something councillor Raf Manji said was worth discussing.
"I don't think it's a strategic asset, but I think it's important for the public to be able to have a conversation, and understand more about what is strategic and what isn't."
Mr Manji said, unlike City Care, Enable was a core piece of infrastructure.