Small Internet service providers are taking the lead on providing gigabit Internet service in Canada, in contrast to the United States where Internet giant Google Inc. is pioneering efforts to bring this type of ultra-fast web connection to the masses. Heather Burnett Gold, president of the U.S.-based Fiber to the Home Council Americas, said in a phone interview that gigabit connections enable “frictionless” use of current applications such as streaming video and gaming, as well as future Internet-based applications such as remote education and telemedicine. “If bandwidth...
Urban Communications Inc. said Thursday it has launched the first gigabit Internet service for Canadian residential users. The company said in a news release the service will cost $49 a month for speeds of 1,000 Mbps over its fibre lines in Vancouver. Urban said its fibre-optic network connects 24 residential buildings in Vancouver, representing 1,800 units, and it has signed access agreements with a further 28 buildings representing 3,000 units. CEO John Farlinger said in an email that its Internet service comes with unlimited data. The company said it has about 200 customers now and aims...