MASSET, B.C. – GwaiiTel and its Haida Gwaii Community Network launched operations today, launching high speed Internet in the remote communities of the Queen Charlotte Islands.
In collaboration with local Internet service providers, the network brings high-speed Internet service to about 5,000 people living in the Islands’ seven largest communities, said the press release.
However, the local cable operator, Masset-Haida TV, also says it already offers high speed Internet in the area and has been for a while.
The Gwaii Trust Society formed GwaiiTel earlier this year, partnering with the Province of British Columbia and Telus to connect Haida Gwaii, also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, to high-speed Internet via North America’s longest over-water radio Internet transmission. GwaiiTel partnered with Alcatel and Navigata (a division of SaskTel) to translate that wholesale connection into service for individual homes and businesses. GwaiiTel invested more than $1 million to build infrastructure connecting the Islands’ communities, under the leadership of the Gwaii Trust Society and using capital from their fund with a $500,000 grant from Industry Canada’s Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program (BRAND), says the companies’ press release.
“This is an historic occasion for our Islands’ communities,” said Gwaii Trust chairman Miles Richardson. “We had to overcome many technical and business challenges, but the Gwaii Trust is very proud to have brought this essential infrastructure into our communities, working with our government and business partners. As our community leaders now take over responsibility for operating the network, we look forward to continuing work with our partners to realize the opportunities and benefits for our Islands’ people through improved health services, education, cultural development, quality of life and prosperity.”
“Through the Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program, Canada’s new government continues to help Canadians in rural, remote and Aboriginal communities benefit from all the economic, business and social opportunities that broadband access can bring,” said Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry, in a statement.
“Telus is focused on delivering high-speed Internet access service across British Columbia creating opportunities for economic development, health care, and education within the communities that we serve,” said Joe Grech, Telus executive vice-president of network operations. “Telus is partnering with First Nations to build cutting edge communications tools that will help enrich and preserve their traditional cultures and to simultaneously build new futures. We are honored to support Haida Gwaii and the ongoing relationship we are building for the betterment of their communities.”
GwaiiTel is offering high-speed Internet service to Queen Charlotte residents in Masset, Old Masset, Port Clements, Tlell, Skidegate, Queen Charlotte and Sandspit.
www.gwaiitrust.com
www.broadband.gc.ca
www.telus.com
www.alcatel.com
www.navigata.ca
