PRESCOTT and RUSSELL, ON – Barrett Xplore debuted its 4G WiMAX high-speed Internet service in Ontario on Thursday.
Under its Xplornet brand, the rural broadband provider began offering coverage in the Prescott and Russell areas of eastern Ontario, including many parts of East Hawkesbury, Clarence-Rockland, Casselman, Alfred- Plantagenet and La Nation west of Fournier.
Deployment in the region covering eight municipalities and 83,000 residents is the result of a partnership between the United Counties of Prescott and Russell and Barrett Xplore, with the support the government’s Rural Connections program.
"We are proud to be working with the United Counties of Prescott and Russell to activate our first 4G broadband coverage to Ontario and, specifically, to be bringing it on-time and on-budget to the Prescott and Russell region," said Barrett VP Bob Davie, in the announcement. "Area residents and businesses can now take full advantage of all the Internet has to offer, including engaging in advanced business, educational and training opportunities not possible through slower dial-up connections, and with data allowances that allow customers to take advantage of these services without incurring expensive overage charges."
With the six new Xplornet 4G towers, as well as other expanded coverage projects in the counties, the company said that customers can connect to the Internet at speeds up to 125 times faster than dial-up. Xplornet’s service utilizes dedicated wireless spectrum to enable a stronger connection with less interference for a more consistent Internet experience.
"This technological advancement will be an asset to our community and add to our economic development, business competitiveness, education and social engagement," said warden Jean-Yves Lalonde. "With the completion of this project, approximately 1,700 residents who did not previously have access to high speed, and another 3,200 who only had access to limited service, will now be able to take advantage of all the Internet has to offer.”
The service is available in the Prescott and Russell area through Xplornet’s local dealers, including Total Telecom in Hawkesbury and R&R Satellite Antenna in Limoges.
