TORONTO – High speed Internet access has reached 18 more Northeastern Ontario communities as a result of a nearly $5.5 million investment in information and communication technology infrastructure in the region.
Ontera, the telecommunications division of Ontario Northland, has provided high-speed Internet since February to: Town of Latchford, North Milne, Temagami North, Goodfish Lake, Hough Lake, Chamberlain Township, Coleman Township, King Kirkland, Township of Gauthier, Gowganda, Nettie Lake, Foleyet, Chaput Hughes, Gogama, Sesekinika, Kenogami, Westree and Shining Tree.
After establishing a wireless broadband network using the Canopy Advantage system manufactured by Motorola Canada, the system provides a broadband, wireless, last-mile link to subscribers and is particularly well suited to servicing dispersed, low-density population bases such as the communities involved in the project.
The system, which took just over two years to complete, features a number of wireless points-of-presence, also referred to as access points (AP). AP clusters are located at tower sites in all 18 of the participating communities. The wireless network is connected to Ontera’s existing fibre optic back-haul network at Timmins, Kirkland Lake, Englehart, New Liskeard and Temagami.
“Access to high-speed Internet is no longer considered a luxury”, said Paul Goulet, acting president and CEO of Ontario Northland, in the announcement. “Areas that remain without access to a reliable high-speed Internet connection are at a significant disadvantage. Thanks to this project, these 18 communities are now able to compete on a more even playing field with other regions across the country and throughout the world as broadband access reduces the barriers of distance, geography, and lack of services. Ontera is very proud to have contributed to such a significant social and economic development project.”
NEOnet, the Northeastern Ontario Communications Network, spearheaded the project. The not-for-profit technology development organization works to improve telecommunications services and information and communications technology adoption and application in Northeastern Ontario.
“In today’s economy, high speed access has become an essential tool for both individuals and companies and is important from economic, community, health care, education and business perspectives,” said NEOnet chair Michel Desjardins. “Doing business today requires access to superior ICT infrastructure and services. We thank Ontera for delivering on the construction and implementation of this essential infrastructure, as well as the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and FedNor for their investment in our communities.”
