Canada’s Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks (CENGN) announced the launch of an innovative project today that will bring improved high-speed internet access to more than 220 underserved Lake of Bays residences located around Ten Mile Bay and Emerald Bay.
The project is part of CENGN’s Rural Ontario Residential Broadband program and will serve as a model for cost-effectively extending high-performance internet service through a new small-footprint tower site within a municipal access corridor.
The project results will be documented to provide a blueprint to other communities facing similar broadband barriers as Lake of Bays residents.
“Access to reliable high-speed internet is essential in our digital world. Our government recognizes the disadvantages for unserved and underserved communities and is committed to making sure all Ontarians can access digital services no matter where they live,” said Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Norm Miller. “I am very pleased to see so much forward momentum to address these concerns and am very appreciative of CENGN and the Township’s work to bring another project to fruition. This current project will supply Lake of Bays residents in the Ten Mile Bay and Emerald Bay areas with reliable, high-speed internet which in turn will allow for more economic, education and personal opportunities.”
Supported by CENGN program funding, Lakeland Networks will install a new 100-foot tower with 3GHz licensed radio technology. The tower will be located near Fox Point on an unused road allowance.
According to the organization’s media release, the project promises several benefits, including:
- New 100-foot self-supporting tower with a small footprint;
- 3 GHz fixed wireless radio technology for better tree-cover penetration;
- Fast network build times, with services available by fall 2021;
- Smart beam-forming technology to reduce interference and improve quality of internet service distribution; and
- Excellent range of new internet access services including 50 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload with no data caps, 40 Mbps download / 20 Mbps upload, and 25 Mbps download / 5 Mbps upload.
“The Township of Lake of Bays is very excited to partner with CENGN and Lakeland Networks to increase connectivity in our community,” said Lake of Bays Mayor Terry Glover. “Accessing reliable and affordable broadband is critical for our residents and businesses in rural communities and this need has only increased as a result of the pandemic. Improving access to high-speed internet is a top priority for our Council and this project will support our goal to connect more households. We are grateful to be part of this project and for CENGN’s investment in our community to ensure access to education, health care and government and to position us for future prosperity, economic growth and innovation.”
Chris Litschko, CEO of Lakeland Holding Ltd., added, “We are pleased that CENGN selected our innovative broadband project in Lake of Bays that will bring better service to more than 220 homes which are needed more than ever in today’s work, school, and business environment. Our dedicated team has shown over and over again they are up to the challenge of meeting today’s broadband needs.”
This project is part of the Next Generation Network Program (NGNP), an Ontario government program powered by CENGN in partnership with the Ontario Centre of Innovation, which helps Ontario companies develop and demonstrate new wired and wireless technology, products and services.
Ontario has committed $63.3 million over five years to the NGNP, which is being delivered through a partnership between CENGN, Canada’s Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks, and the Ontario Centre of Innovation.
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