Broadband network extending out in Barrie ward

Back in June, representatives from Omniglobe Networks came to the Barrie Hall in Cloyne for the commercial launch of their wireless internet service, which is being broadcast from a perch halfway up the TVO tower to the northeast of the hamlet.

Last week, they were back, this time with representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, who provided funding support for installing the service, as well as with municipal officials from North Frontenac Township, for the official launch.

In the interim, according to Omniglobe spokesperson Elsa Lebey, some of the challenges that come from the rugged, densely forested terrain in the area have been addressed, at least in some measure. The signal from the tower will be extended through the use of smaller, repeater sites at three locations, which will be up and running in the coming weeks.

The locations are - the Upper Mazinaw Lake area where an agreement has been signed and Omniglobe is just waiting for the electrician to finish the setup;
the Marble Lake Road area where negotiations leading to an agreement are almost complete; and the Kashwakamak Lake area where a signed agreement is in place.

“Omniglobe will continue to work with the township to identify other possible areas of expansion,” Lebey said.