LAX KW’ALAAMS – CityWest today announced it has officially launched Internet services in Lax Kw’alaams, which is now “the first community along the Connected Coast to receive services from the subsea fibre-optic cable,” a press release says.
The Connected Coast project is a $45.4-million joint venture between CityWest and the Strathcona Regional District, which has received funding from the federal government’s Connected to Innovate program, Indigenous Services Canada and the B.C. government’s Connected British Columbia program.
“In January fibre was laid from Prince Rupert to Lax Kw’alaams, and connected by a shore landing, providing the backbone infrastructure necessary for faster, more reliable Internet services,” the press release explains.
It was also announced today that in the coming weeks, CityWest will launch TV services over its new CityWest Stream platform. “Lax Kw’alaams will be the first community to get access to the new TV platform, which offers more flexible viewing options and additional HD channels,” the press release says, adding the plan is for phone services to also be available later this year.
CityWest and the Lax Kw’alaams band have formed a partnership, which includes the creation of CityWest LKB Communications Corp. “The agreement will see CityWest take over the infrastructure in Lax Kw’alaams to provide Internet and TV services to residents and businesses,” the release says.
A portion of the profits will be reinvested into the band and community members will be given more influence over their connectivity needs.
“Connectivity has always been an issue for remote B.C. communities like Lax Kw’alaams,” said Ted Adnitt, CAO of the Lax Kw’alaams band, in the press release. “The infrastructure provided by the Connected Coast project, along with CityWest’s network will bring faster, more reliable services to our community.”
“This is an exciting day as we witness the first of 139 communities along the Connected Coast receive services. The tangible benefits of this project are now being seen after years of hard work from the project’s stakeholders,” said Stefan Woloszyn, CEO of CityWest.
“We are honoured to partner with the Lax Kw’alaams band to deliver last-mile services, and we would like to express our thanks to the Province of B.C., the Federal Government, and Indigenous Services Canada for making the Connected Coast project happen.”
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