CALGARY – Rural broadband provider Barrett Xplore has begun test-marketing an Internet service package designed to address “the affordability gap” that it says is experienced by many rural Canadians.
Using the areas around Barriere, BC, the company is offering local residents a satellite broadband service with speeds up to 1.5 Mbps for $49.99 per month, with an upfront cost of $99 and no equipment purchase cost. Historically, a high-speed satellite service package of this nature had installation and equipment costs of over $500 and a monthly fee of approximately $120 per month.
"Barriere is rural BC”, said Bill Macdonald, SVP strategic business development, in the announcement. “It has low population density and difficult topography. That is exactly why we chose the Barriere area to test market this package. We are working hard to bring technologies that can reduce the costs of broadband to rural Canadians, and we think BC residents are eager for this kind of solution."
"Broadband is a lifeline to e-commerce, communication and learning," said Barriere Mayor Mike Fennell. “This is a major boost to the ability of our town and the surrounding area to attract residents, build a strong business environment and bring services to our citizens."
