Internet improvements are on the way for several residential areas of Nipissing First Nation.
Canada’s Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks, (CENGN) has launched a project that will bring high-performance broadband access to Garden Village, Jocko Point, Meadowside, Beaucage, and Yellek.
Leepfrog Telecom is the Internet Service Provider selected and will install a new non-ground penetrating tower.
Services are expected to be available by this fall.
“Nipissing First Nation is proud to partner with CENGN and Leepfrog Telecom on this innovative and environmentally friendly project that will benefit 5 of our largest communities,” said Chief Scott McLeod, Nipissing First Nation. “Access to reliable and cost-effective internet services is no longer a luxury, it is more necessary than ever with so many people working and learning from home. The provision of quality broadband internet services is long overdue and will result in better connectivity for our residents and businesses while making a minimal footprint on our lands. We are grateful to be part of this project and for CENGN’s investment in our nation’s infrastructure needs through the Northern Ontario Residential Broadband program. We are also excited to know that this represents a step forward in addressing similar challenges in First Nations and other communities across Ontario. Miigwech (Thank you).”
The project will serve as a model for other communities across the province. It promises several benefits, including:
- Excellent range of new internet access services from 50 Mbps download/10 Mbps upload and up to 200 Mbps download/20 Mbps upload with no data caps.
- New low-cost VOIP phone services with unlimited long-distance plans, and new pick your own channel low-cost IP television services.
- Improved tree penetration using Television White Space (TVWS) radio technology.
Laurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure, says bringing high-speed internet to communities like Nipissing First Nation is a high-level priority for the Ontario government.
“The digital divide is real, and it is magnified during this COVID-19 global pandemic,” she said. “This investment continues to build on Ontario’s commitment to connect people and reduce the digital divide. We are moving as fast as we can to get people the services they need.”
Ontario has committed $63.3 million over five years to the Next Generation Network Program (NGNP), an Ontario government program powered by CENGN in partnership with the Ontario Centre of Innovation.