New Brunswick to be first fully connected province

At the end of May, New Brunswick will become the first province in Canada to offer high-speed Internet access to all of its businesses and residents. New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham announced Wednesday that a $13-million investment by the provincial government in 2009 will help connect, two months early, the last 10 per cent of the population that did not already have access to broadband Internet. “Our investment in this project ensures all rural residents can seize every opportunity available to them to improve their education, maximize their employment options, take their businesses online and make the most of enhanced government services,” Graham said in a release. “We are proud to be the first in Canada to accomplish this goal and look forward to other provinces following our lead." The province worked with wireless and satellite Internet provider Barrett Xplore Inc. to give the entire province access to high speed Internet. Barrett Xplore operates a network of 161 towers for wireless Internet throughout the province and uses satellite Internet for areas that are difficult to reach with other means. "Barrett Xplore Inc. is honoured to have been selected to assist with this project,” Bill Barrett, chair of Barrett, said in a release. “It has long been our belief that only a hybrid-technology solution—such as our fixed wireless/satellite approach—can truly succeed in providing complete coverage in rural areas. The response to the service has been tremendous, with one-third of New Brunswick residents who were previously without broadband access having signed-up with Xplornet." Barrett customers pay $100 to install the equipment needed to access the company’s Internet service and $50 a month for a basic package. Graham will receive an award for "Visionary of the Year" from the Intelligent Communities Forum in New York City for the province’s broadband Internet project.

New Brunswick to be first fully connected province

Brief | May 21, 2010

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New Brunswick to be first fully connected province

Brief | May 21, 2010

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