Feature ArticleMay 20, 2004
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Satellite Internet pilot projects envisioned for Plevna, Northbrook
Over the next few weeks, RAMTelecom from Ottawa will be having a serious look at the lay of the land around the township office in North Frontenac, and in Northbrook as well, to see how many individuals and businesses are within the line of sight of a proposed satellite receiver which could bring two way high speed internet service to the immediate area.
Ralph Misener, the President of RAMTelecom, told a meeting of the Northern Task Force for High Speed, which was set up by the Economic Development committee of North Frontenac Council, that it would cost about $3,000 for a satellite, and about $250 per month for service.
This is more than most people, indeed most businesses, are willing to pay for high speed, and that is why RAMTelecom will be looking at the lay of the land. The initial $3,000 investment, as well as the monthly fee, can be shared by different users, bringing the cost to individual users down to the $30-$50 per month range with an initial investment in the order of $300 to $400. That is, provided enough interested parties lie within the range of the satellite receiver. Misener told the committee that the rocks and trees present a specific challenge in North Frontenac and Addington highlands, which will have to be overcome.
Mazinaw-on-Line, a non-profit internet service provider in the area, is represented on the task force and is considering being the service provider for the pilot system, with RAMTelecom acting as the satellite provider.
Plevna and Northbrook were chosen as potential sites for pilot projects because it might be possible to find a location that will allow several businesses, the township offices, and residential customers to enjoy high speed internet access and other potential services.
The project is still in its infancy, however, and Misener will report back in a month with more detailed information as to where the service might be available. Mazinaw-on-Line will also have to consider whether they want to move into this new venture as well.
Still, this venue holds more promise than trying to access provincial or federal grant money for high speed connectivity. As Jim MacPherson of the Land O Lakes Communications Network reported to the Task Force, the region has been left out of the latest Federal broadband initiative, called BRAND. The current provincial initiative, which has the acronym COBRA, is currently on hold according to the province, and if it does start up it will be a slow process, in any event.
[Editors note: In a previous article we mistakenly referred to RAMTelecom as RAM Technologies. Our apologies for the mistake]
