CANARIE Inc has taken the unusual step of issuing a Request for Information for a new national fibre network, despite a $150-million shortfall in federal funding. The lease on Canada’s primary university research network – CA*net 3 – expires next July and CANARIE officials say they must start the procurement process now to meet the tight deadline. Meetings with senior officials at Industry Canada have been ongoing for several months, and although no funding has been committed, CANARIE continues to be optimistic.

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