Feature Article April 22, 2004
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Satellite systems may solve rural broadband problems
Rural municipalities have been waiting for some years now for promised government initiatives in support of the development of high speed internet service for rural and remote areas.
Now, with the possibility of Satellite in conjunction with wireless transmission technology, small townships, small communities, even groups of neighbours may find it possible to set up their own high speed internet access.
And if the circumstances are right, the price need not be insurmountably high.
Last week, Ralph Misener of RAM technologies out of Ottawa, made a presentation to the Economic Development Committee of the North Frontenac Township that so enthused members of the committee and guest Bill Brown from the Addington Highlands Economic Development Committee, that theyve set up a task force to look at the possibilities for the technology in both municipalities.
RAM technologies has been setting up satellite internet service in the far north communities and remote resource camps over the past five years, and Ralph Misener said it works in the far North and it can work just as well in Eastern Ontario.
One of the knocks against satellite internet service is the difficulty in uploading information. The systems are quick for receiving information but often slow in sending information. Misener said that while the system RAM technologies has developed is faster for downloading, it is still able to provide acceptable levels of uploading service.
RAM technologies was invited to make a presentation regarding the possibility of providing a satellite broadband service for the North Frontenac township office. He brought a demonstration system with him, and quoted a price of $3,000 for the system plus $250 per month for service. While the system is pricey, the signal provided can be used by all of the computers on the office network and could also be used by other individuals or businesses through wireless antenna transmission.
The township office in North Frotnenac is relatively isolated, but as Bill Brown pointed out, a single system could possibly serve the Addington Highlands office in Flinton and the entire village as well. Discussions took place about the possibility of piloting the system in Plevna, or other villages.
Earlier last week, the Land O Lakes Communications Network (LOLCN), which has been attempting to bring rural broadband on stream in the broader region, received word that an application for Federal government support through what is called the BRAND program from Industry Canada, had been rejected. At the time, Jim MacPherson of the LOLCN, said he had expected the decision. All three of the proposals that received support were from Northern Ontario. But I think that having the BRAND process out of the way, will open up the way for other possibilities.
Ralph Misener made a comment that echoed Macphersons sentiment, saying if you want the services in the next few years, you are going to have to do it for yourself.
The task force that will be set up to work on bringing broadband to township offices and other pilot sites in North Frontenac and Addington Highlands will seek participation from Mazinaw On-line, a not-for profit corporation that has been providing service in the two townships, as well as the Land O Lakes Communication Network. As well, the County of Frontenac will be involved, in the person of Karen Fisher, the Economic Development Officer from the County.
While there is broadband service in various parts of the County through cable service on major routes and in parts of the area served by North Frontenac Telephone Company, there are significant gaps on rural routes.
For people thinking of relocating home based businesses to the County, broadband is often a necessity, Fisher said.
Ralph Misener is interested in bringing service to the area for more than business reasons. He is a cottager on Kashwakamak Lake.
