MONTREAL – Inukshuk Internet has announced the launch of its 2005 Calls for Proposals in Alberta, British Columbia, Eastern Ontario and Outaouais, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Québec and Yukon.
Inukshuk, which has had a number of owners in its lifespan, but is not a commercial service as yet, was granted licenses from Industry Canada for multipoint communications systems (MCS) spectrum in the 2500 MHz frequency range, to build a unique, "last mile" broadband wireless access network.
On November 8, 2004, Rogers acquired the control of Microcell, including Inukshuk. On September 16, 2005 Bell Canada and Rogers Communications Inc. jointly announced the creation of a new joint venture for the purpose of further deploying the Inukshuk network to at least 44 Canadian cities and 50 rural communities by 2008. Spectrum transfer approvals from Industry Canada and other customary closing conditions are expected to be straightforward.
Proposals are meant to focus on enhancing either content or connectivity related to learning and the Internet. Content proposals are welcome for innovative and creative projects to develop multimedia and feature-rich learning content, applications or learning environments for Canada’s learning communities. Applications are also encouraged for connectivity projects, which will result in the provision of broadband wireless Internet access to un-served and underserved communities.
"A foundation of Inukshuk is the creation of this unique public/private collaboration in the learning sector," said David Robinson, vice-president, business implementation at Rogers Communication Inc. "Inukshuk’s Learning Plan was created to offer long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with members of the learning community, and to help develop on-line learning opportunities. The issue of the Calls is another affirmation of our commitment."
“Inukshuk’s Learning Plan is the result of extensive consultation across the country, carried out to identify the needs and priorities of Canada’s learners. It aims to meet the needs for on-line learning in three specific areas: Connectedness, Content and Continuity. Inukshuk has established a Partnership Committee in each of its ten licensed service areas to provide direction and guidance on projects. To ensure the viability of its Learning Plan, Inukshuk has also committed to investing annually in each of the regions for which it was awarded a license. On a national basis, the amount of funding available under this year’s Calls is over $3.8 million,” says the press release.
To find out about the availability of funds in each region and to obtain additional information on how to apply for funding, please visit www.inukshuk.ca.
