HIGH SPEED COVERAGE UPDATE

MCN UNDER BUDGET ENABLING ORGANIZATION TO EXCEED HIGH SPEED COVERAGE EXPECTATIONS

ACCESS EXPANDS FURTHER WITHIN HUNTSVILLE AND LAKE OF BAYS

August 9, 2010 ─ Muskoka Community Network (MCN) is pleased to announce that access to high speed internet has arrived for the residents and businesses of six additional areas within Huntsville and Lake of Bays.

Within Huntsville:
· Stanleydale/Stisted North
· Skeleton Lake

Within Lake of Bays:
· Harp Lake
· Walkers Lake
· Echo Lake/Lawson Road
· Birchcroft

“We are truly committed to bringing high speed internet to Muskoka,” said Rob McPhee, Executive Director, Muskoka Community Network. “In fact, the project is running under budget which has allowed us to add 11 more towers to the build. We are exceeding the coverage that was originally expected under this project.”

Muskoka Community Network is presently working on 25 towers and access continues to expand in the Townships of Lake of Bays and Georgian Bay, as well as the Towns of Huntsville, Gravenhurst and Bracebridge. For more information, please visit http://www.mcnet.ca/projects/broadsched/

Residents without high speed internet access are asked to let Muskoka Community Network know precisely where they are. Individuals can do so by dialing 705-646-9044, or by completing the “I Need Broadband” form located online at http://www.mcnet.ca/.

“Your input matters,” added McPhee. “If you remain without high speed, please let us know.”

"Internet access adds greatly to the quality of life for the residents and cottagers of the Muskoka District,” said Gord Paterson, who now has hi-speed from the Walkers Lake tower. “Hopefully everyone in rural Ontario will eventually have the availability of high speed internet.”

TRAINING

In addition to bringing high speed internet to Muskoka, Muskoka Community Network is committed to providing the training necessary to use high speed internet to its maximum potential.

Muskoka Community Network provides classroom style workshops for businesses, organizations and individuals who want to increase their tech knowledge. Topics include Virtual and Mobile Computing, Planning your Website, How to Profit from E-Business and Technology Management. For more information visit http://www.mcnet.ca/ and look for E-Learning – Technology Learning Series.

Muskoka Community Network also provides online training through our Virtual Training Centre. There are over 450 titles to choose from, including word processing, accounting, spreadsheets and graphic design. Subscribers, including businesses, government and individual residents, are learning at their own pace in this online environment. All you need is a high speed internet connection and a desire to learn. These online courses are FREE to Muskokans.

ABOUT FEDNOR

FedNor is a federal regional development organization in Ontario that works with a variety of partners, as both a facilitator and catalyst, to help create an environment in which communities can thrive, businesses can grow and people can prosper.

To date, Muskoka Community Network has secured 2.5 million dollars in public funding from FedNor and has facilitated approximately 1.5 million additional dollars of technology investment in Muskoka. 1.7 million dollars was secured for broadband (high speed) alone. Additional funding has been allocated towards improving online communications for our communities, and providing training on how best to leverage online opportunities.

ABOUT MUSKOKA COMMUNITY NETWORK

Muskoka Community Network (MCN) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing high speed internet to Muskoka. MCN is also committed to providing the training necessary to use high speed internet to its maximum potential.

If you are currently without access to high speed, or are interested in training opportunities, visit http://www.mcnet.ca/

For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Rob McPhee
Muskoka Community Network
705-646-9044
rob.mcphee@mcnet.ca

Alison Withey
Blue Whale Communications Inc.
705-783-4218 (mobile)
alison@bluewhalecommunications.com

For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at http://www.mcnet.ca/