Monday, December 19, 2011

Minister Clement announces Parry Sound - Muskoka ICT Investment

Minister Clement announces investment to create jobs and strengthen the economy of the Parry Sound–Muskoka region

TOWNSHIP OF GEORGIAN BAY, Ontario, December 17, 2011 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Member of Parliament for Parry Sound–Muskoka and Minister for FedNor, today announced a Government of Canada investment of more than $617,000 to enhance Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services and encourage business development and growth in the Parry Sound–Muskoka region.

“The Government of Canada is making targeted investments that build on the strengths of Northern communities and capitalize on opportunities to diversify and create jobs,” said Minister Clement. “The funding announced today will provide businesses throughout the region with access to the ICT resources they need to be successful in the global marketplace.”

A FedNor investment of $594,411 in the Muskoka Community Network (MCN) will support local small businesses in their efforts to embrace e-business technologies and develop digital skills. Specifically, the funding will allow MCN, a not-for-profit organization, to provide ICT training, education and awareness, promote broadband applications and conduct research in the Muskoka and Almaguin regions. In addition, a FedNor investment of $22,750 is enabling the Township of Georgian Bay to develop and implement a strategic plan, thus helping to strengthen the regional economy.

“On behalf of the Muskoka Community Network and the people and businesses who depend on broadband access in our region, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the continued support we receive from Minister Clement and FedNor,” said Rob McPhee, Executive Director of MCN. “The Government of Canada has been instrumental in helping us address the broadband service gap in the Muskoka region and today’s announcement will allow us to build on that success.”

Funding for these projects was provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports initiatives that strengthen community economic development, enhance business growth and facilitate innovation throughout the region.

To find out more about FedNor, visit: fednor.gc.ca.

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Sean Osmar
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-2666

Peter Williams
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-670-6244 or 1-877-333-6673
----------------------------------------


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

Monday, November 21, 2011

Access to High Speed Expands Further Within Georgian Bay and Gravenhurst

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


ACCESS TO HIGH SPEED INTERNET EXPANDS FURTHER WITHIN GEORGIAN BAY AND GRAVENHURST

MUSKOKA, Ontario ─ November 21, 2011 ─ Muskoka Community Network (MCN) is pleased to announce that three more internet points of presence have been deployed.  Specific locations include Macey Bay and Oak Bay in the Township of Georgian Bay, as well as Morrison Lake in Gravenhurst.

Late last year Muskoka Community Network announced the completion of its broadband build project bringing overall access to high speed internet in Muskoka to 85 per cent ─ well beyond the 80 per cent coverage rate Muskoka Community Network was mandated to achieve.

“While the budget and plans at the time called for a total of 42 internet points of presence, we were able to build 65 towers ─ 23 towers above plan ─ with no cost overruns and well within budget,” said Rob McPhee, Executive Director, Muskoka Community Network. “In fact, we had budget remaining and that is why we were able to build three more towers and further expand the network.”

“The new tower at Morrison Lake has made a big difference,” said Mark Turney, Gravenhurst resident.  “Now we have consistent service and the speed and response times are good.”  

HELPING RURAL AND REMOTE BUSINESSES SECURE ACCESS

“While Muskoka Community Network is proud to have brought high speed internet connectivity to 85 per cent of Muskoka, we are aware of the fact that some businesses remain located beyond the reach of existing broadband services,” said McPhee.

“The barrier is often topographical in nature since variations in elevation may or may not lend themselves to the nearest signal,” added McPhee. “It is for this reason that we are offering a contribution towards the purchase and installation of an extended antenna that will bridge a successful connection to an internet service provider.”  

Eligible applicants may receive up to 75 per cent of supported costs including external (to the dwelling) connectivity equipment or structures and installation fees, to a maximum of $1,000.

The program is being made available for a limited time, while funds last.  Small and medium sized businesses operating on a full time basis in Muskoka may apply by calling Muskoka Community Network at 705-646-9044, or by visiting www.mcnet.ca/broadband/sira/ . The program is not available to cottagers, private homes or hobby businesses.

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 is a not-for-profit organization established in 2000.  In 2010, Muskoka Community Network exceeded its prime mandate to bring high speed internet to 80 per cent of the un-serviced population within Muskoka. Today, overall access to high speed internet in Muskoka has reached 85 per cent.  This represents an incredible jump from the 12 per cent coverage rate recorded in 2006. 

Muskoka Community Network also provides the training necessary to use high speed internet to its maximum potential.  If you are interested in training opportunities, or to book the Business and Technology Centre of Excellence for your next meeting, visit www.mcnet.ca
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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)

-------------------------------------------------

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

Monday, August 8, 2011

Businesses Adopting E-Business Strategies in Muskoka


Muskoka Community Network Helps Small and Medium Sized Enterprises
Adopt E-Business Strategies

BEAM Applicants May Receive up to $2,000 Towards Related Costs

August 8, 2011 – MUSKOKA, Ontario - Muskoka Community Network (MCN) today announced that it is accepting new applications for its BEAM program. 

“The manner in which broadband is used by businesses today is equally, if not more important, than having a high speed internet connection,” said Rob McPhee, Executive Director, Muskoka Community Network. “To fully leverage the economic potential of the web, businesses must seriously consider the adoption of an E-Business strategy, and Muskoka Community Network is here to help.”

The BEAM program (Broadband for E-business And Marketing) provides financial assistance to small and medium sized enterprises wanting to leverage E-business tools such as online payment systems and social media.  The program also provides assistance to businesses wanting to establish a presence on the web for the very first time.

To date, MCN has assisted over 70 businesses under this program and now has the resources to accept new applications.
 
Small and medium sized businesses operating on a full time basis in Muskoka may apply by calling Muskoka Community Network at 705-646-9044, or by visiting www.mcnet.ca/ebusiness/beam/

Eligible applicants may receive up to 75 per cent of supported costs including web design, development and implementation, to a maximum of $2,000.  The program is being made available for a limited time, while funds last.

In conjunction with this program, Muskoka Futures Development Corporation also has financing available for technology investments.  For more information, visit www.muskokafutures.ca/loaninfo.html

Further supporting small and medium sized enterprises, Muskoka Community Network recently announced the High-Speed Internet for Remote Areas program (Hi-SIRA) to help rural and remote businesses of Muskoka secure access to high speed internet by way of an extended antenna.  Hi-SIRA is a modified version of Muskoka Community Network’s Satellite Internet Remote Areas (SIRA) Program which offered financial assistance to establish a satellite broadband connection. 

Hi-SIRA

“While Muskoka Community Network is proud to have brought high speed internet connectivity to 85 per cent of Muskoka, we are aware of the fact that some businesses remain located beyond the reach of existing broadband services,” said Rob McPhee, Executive Director, Muskoka Community Network. 

“The barrier is often topographical in nature since variations in elevation may or may not lend themselves to the nearest signal,” added McPhee. “It is for this reason that we are offering a contribution towards the purchase and installation of an extended antenna that will bridge a successful connection to an internet service provider.”  

Eligible applicants to the Hi-SIRA program may receive up to 75 per cent of supported costs including external (to the dwelling) connectivity equipment or structures and installation fees, to a maximum of $1,000.

Hi-SIRA is being made available for a limited time, while funds last. Small and medium sized businesses operating on a full time basis in Muskoka may apply by calling Muskoka Community Network at 705-646-9044, or by visiting www.mcnet.ca/broadband/sira/  Hi-SIRA is not available to cottagers, private homes or hobby businesses.

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 established in 2000.  On December 31, 2010, MCN exceeded its prime mandate to bring high speed internet to 80 per cent of the un-serviced population within Muskoka. Today,
overall access to high speed internet in Muskoka has reached 85 per cent.  This represents an incredible jump from the 12 per cent coverage rate recorded in 2006. 

Muskoka Community Network also provides the training necessary to use high speed internet to its maximum potential.  If you are interested in training opportunities, or to book the Business and Technology Centre of Excellence for your next meeting, visit www.mcnet.ca

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

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

Alison Withey
Blue Whale Communications Inc.
705-783-4218 (mobile)


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

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Helping Rural and Remote Businesses Secure Access to High Speed Internet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Muskoka Community Network Announces Hi-SIRA
Helping Rural and Remote Businesses Secure Access to High Speed Internet

June 30, 2011 – MUSKOKA, Ontario - Muskoka Community Network (MCN) today announced the High-Speed Internet for Remote Areas program (Hi-SIRA) to help rural and remote businesses of Muskoka secure access to high speed internet by way of an extended antenna.  Hi-SIRA is a modified version of Muskoka Community Network’s Satellite Internet Remote Areas (SIRA) Program which offered financial assistance to establish a satellite broadband connection. 
 
“While Muskoka Community Network is proud to have brought high speed internet connectivity to 85 per cent of Muskoka, we are aware of the fact that some businesses remain located beyond the reach of existing broadband services,” said Rob McPhee, Executive Director, Muskoka Community Network. 

“The barrier is often topographical in nature since variations in elevation may or may not lend themselves to the nearest signal,” added McPhee. “It is for this reason that we are offering a contribution towards the purchase and installation of an extended antenna that will bridge a successful connection to an internet service provider.”   

Eligible applicants may receive up to 75 per cent of supported costs including external (to the dwelling) connectivity equipment or structures and installation fees, to a maximum of $1,000.

The program is being made available for a limited time, while funds last. Small and medium sized businesses operating on a full time basis in Muskoka may apply by calling Muskoka Community Network at 705-646-9044, or by visiting www.mcnet.ca/broadband/sira/  

The program is not available to cottagers, private homes or hobby businesses.

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 established in 2000.  On December 31, 2010, MCN exceeded its prime mandate to bring high speed internet to 80 per cent of the un-serviced population within Muskoka. Today, overall access to high speed internet in Muskoka has reached 85 per cent.  This represents an incredible jump from the 12 per cent coverage rate recorded in 2006.  Muskoka Community Network also provides the training necessary to use high speed internet to its maximum potential.  If you are interested in training opportunities, or to book the Business and Technology Centre of Excellence for your next meeting, visit www.mcnet.ca

-30-

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

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

Alison Withey
Blue Whale Communications Inc.
705-783-4218 (mobile)




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

Thursday, June 9, 2011

BDC - eBook - Technology: your competitive edge | BDC - Guide virtuel - La technologie: votre avantage concurrentiel

BDC - eBook - Technology: your competitive edge | BDC - Guide virtuel - La technologie: votre avantage concurrentiel
-------------------------------------------------

ICT demystified
Discover how other Canadian businesses have benefited from ICT and how you can too!

Studies show companies that invest in information and communication technology (ICT) are more productive, more innovative and more competitive.

But, many Canadian entrepreneurs seem reluctant to make ICT investments. Are you one of them?
Find out how technology can pay off for you.

What's in the book?
    • A clear explanation of what ICT is and how it applies to small business
    • Strategies to increase sales, enhance marketing and build productivity
    • Advice on making the right ICT choices
    • Personal stories learn from the experience of others
http://www.bdc.ca/EN/solutions/tech_smart/Documents/BDC-Technology-Your-Competitive-Edge-eBook.pdf

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

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

CRTC sets speed target for broadband Internet and maintains obligation to provide basic home ...

CRTC sets speed target for broadband Internet and maintains obligation to provide basic home telephone service

OTTAWA-GATINEAU, May 3, 2011

Broadband target

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today set a target for broadband Internet access services across Canada.
By the end of 2015, the CRTC expects all Canadians to have access to broadband speeds of at least 5 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads and 1 Mbps for uploads.

“A well-developed broadband infrastructure will serve as a gateway for Canadians to participate in the digital economy,” said Konrad von Finckenstein, Q.C., Chairman of the CRTC. “The target we have established is the minimum speed we believe consumers in rural and remote areas should be able to receive. The industry is actively responding to market demands and we have every confidence in its ability to meet the target.”

The CRTC anticipates that this target will be reached through a combination of private investments, targeted government funding and public-private partnerships. The launch of new satellites and advances in wireless technologies will make it possible to provide Canadians in rural and remote regions with reliable broadband connections at reasonable rates and higher speeds than those available today.

Despite Canada’s unique geography, 95% of households currently have access to Internet download speeds of at least 1.5 Mbps through telephone, cable or fixed-wireless networks. Over 80% of households already have access to download speeds of 5 Mbps or higher.

The CRTC will closely monitor the industry’s progress in reaching the target.

Local telephone service

Given that competition is flourishing in 80% of residential telephone markets, the CRTC has lifted the requirement to meet the basic service objective in these deregulated areas. The CRTC determined, however, that large telephone companies must continue to offer residential subscribers a basic telephone line at a reasonable rate. Companies will have the flexibility to gradually increase rates for this service over the next three years, to a maximum of $30 per month.

In regulated areas, the CRTC is maintaining the obligation to provide basic residential telephone service and to meet the basic service objective. Most incumbent telephone companies will continue to receive a subsidy to ensure basic telephone service is offered to all consumers in rural and remote areas and to help offset higher costs.

The CRTC will phase-in a new formula over the next three years, which will reduce subsidies available to companies in regulated areas. To offset lost subsidies, companies will have the option of gradually raising rates to a maximum of $30 per month by 2013.

“Some companies in rural and remote areas charge their customers much less than what it actually costs them to provide this service and, as a result, their rates are lower than in urban areas. The new price ceiling will make for a more consistent and reasonable rate across Canada and reduce the reliance on subsidies,” said Mr. von Finckenstein.

Local competition

Finally, the CRTC will continue to encourage greater consumer choice in the residential telephone market for Canadians in rural and remote areas.
The CRTC has decided to maintain its existing framework for competitors wishing to enter territories served exclusively by smaller telephone companies.

To ensure that the smaller companies are able to provide reasonable access to residential telephone service, the CRTC has introduced the following
measures:

   Smaller telephone companies will continue to receive subsidies for their
   subscribers until competitors can offer service to 75 per cent of the
   market.

   Smaller telephone companies will be able to claim half of the subsidy they
   would normally receive for subscribers that switch to a competitor during
   the first three years of competition.

   New entrants will be required to pay the start-up costs in markets where
   the smaller telephone company has fewer than 3,000 subscribers. Start-up
   costs can include those associated with ensuring that consumers are able
   to keep the same telephone number when changing providers (number
   portability) or connecting the competitor’s network with that of the
   smaller telephone company.

Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2011-291

The CRTC

The CRTC is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.

Reference document:

Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2010-43 http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2010/2010-43.htm

 - 30 -

MediaRelations, Tel: 819-997-9403, Fax: 819-997-4245

General Inquiries:
   Tel: 819-997-0313, TDD: 819-994-0423, Fax: 819-994-0218
   Toll-free # 1-877-249-CRTC (2782)
   TDD - Toll-free # 1-877-909-CRTC (2782)
   Ask a question or make a complaint

These documents are available in alternative format upon request.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional information on basic residential telephone services

In 1999, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
(CRTC) established a basic service objective that reflected the level of telecommunications service available to Canadians at that time. The objective applied to the large telephone companies that had built extensive networks to reach the majority of the population, namely: Bell Aliant, Bell Canada, MTS Allstream, SaskTel, Telebec and Telus. It also applied to Northwestel and the smaller telephone companies that operate mostly in rural and remote areas.

Over the last decade, competition in the provision of home telephone service has grown steadily in Canada. The CRTC has deregulated 80% of home telephone lines in markets where consumers have access to competing providers. As a result, the former monopoly companies operating in those markets no longer need to obtain the CRTC’s approval to set local telephone rates or introduce new services and packages.

Given these developments, the CRTC has reviewed three measures related to the basic services that the large companies must offer to Canadians in regulated and unregulated markets. They are:

1.  The requirement to serve existing customers as well as new customers
    requesting telephone service, known as the obligation to serve.

2.  The basic service objective, which is a minimum target for residential
    service that includes the following features:

      local service on an individual telephone line
      access to low-speed Internet at local rates
      operator and directory assistance services
      access to the long-distance network
      enhanced calling features, and
      a copy of the current local telephone directory.

3.  The regulatory regime that gives subsidies to companies providing local
    telephone service to residential customers in rural and remote areas.

In addition, the CRTC has reviewed its local competition framework in the markets served by smaller telephone companies.

Obligation to serve and basic service objective

i) Deregulated markets

The CRTC will maintain the obligation to provide basic residential telephone service in deregulated markets—that is to say, a telephone line without any optional features such as call waiting or call answer.
Companies will have the flexibility to meet this obligation using the technology of their choice. The basic service objective has been lifted in these markets since there is sufficient competition to protect the interests of consumers.

The CRTC has also decided to maintain the safeguard of a price ceiling for basic residential telephone service. The ceiling will gradually increase to $30 per month by 2013. Telephone companies whose monthly rates are below $30 have the option of either maintaining them at their current level or raising them over the next three years until they reach the ceiling.

Starting on June 1, 2014, the price ceiling will be increased annually by the rate of inflation.

ii) Regulated markets

In regulated markets, the CRTC is preserving the obligation to provide basic residential telephone service and the basic service objective. At the same time, the requirement to mass-distribute print copies of the white pages directory has been eliminated. Similar to the current practice in deregulated markets, telephone companies will only have to provide a print copy upon request.

Subsidy regime

Many Canadians live in rural and remote areas where it is more expensive to provide basic residential telephone service. Companies operating in these areas receive a subsidy from the National Contribution Fund to help offset the costs of providing such a service and keep prices reasonable.
Canadian telecommunications companies with annual revenues over $10 million must contribute to the Fund.

Although the subsidy regime is still required in rural and remote areas, the amount available to companies will be reduced by approximately 20% by 2013. This will be achieved in part by eliminating subsidies in high-cost areas that are no longer regulated, effective June 1, 2011.

The CRTC will also introduce a new formula to calculate the subsidy amounts in regulated areas where a company’s monthly rates are below $30.
In most instances, the new formula will be based on the difference between the costs to provide basic residential telephone service and a rate ceiling that will be phased-in over the next three years. The rate ceiling will gradually increase to the lesser of $30 per month or the amount required to eliminate the subsidy.

In addition, companies have realized significant productivity improvements in rural and remote areas. The CRTC will no longer reduce the companies’
costs when calculating the subsidy for providing basic telephone service.

Local competition

Smaller telephone companies operate in rural and remote areas in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia. They have traditionally held a monopoly in their home markets for the provision of home telephone service.

The CRTC previously established a framework to permit local competition in the markets of the smaller telephone companies, but has proceeded cautiously given their unique operating circumstances. To date, only three markets have been opened to competitors.

The CRTC will continue to allow competitors to enter the smaller telephone companies’ home markets. To mitigate the impact of local competition, it has introduced the following measures:

   Smaller telephone companies will continue to receive subsidies for their
   subscribers until competitors can offer service to 75 per cent of the
   market.

   Smaller telephone companies will be able to claim half of the subsidy they
   would normally receive for subscribers that switch to a competitor during
   the first three years of competition.

   New entrants will be required to pay the start-up costs in markets where
   the smaller telephone company has fewer than 3,000 subscribers. Start-up
   costs can include those associated with ensuring that consumers are able
   to keep the same telephone number when changing providers (number
   portability) or connecting the competitor’s network with that of the
   smaller telephone company. 


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

Friday, April 8, 2011

Carolyne Wagland Joins Muskoka Community Network

Carolyne Wagland has joined Muskoka Community Network.  Carolyne brings exceptional graphic design skill combined with web development expertise.  This is definitely a win for for everyone. Welcome Carolyne!

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

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Broadband for E-Business and Marketing (BEAM) 2011

Through continued support from FedNor, Muskoka Community Network is again accepting applications for the Broadband for E-Business and Marketing (BEAM) program in 2011.

The BEAM program provides qualifying small and medium sized enterprises (SME's) with a strategic approach and a contribution of 75% (up to a maximum of $2000) to upgrade or create an improved e-business presence.


How do you apply?

1. Download a BEAM application at
http://www.mcnet.ca/beam

2. Fill out your company information, website goals, obtain a quote/proposal from your chosen web developer and submit your BEAM application to MCN today!



To date, 55 Businesses and organizations have received support and assistance through the BEAM program. Successful Beam recipients include:

Hunter's Bay Radio

Fitt Gym

Garry Hall Construction

Shifting Earth Studio Gallery

Winning Techniques

See http://www.mcnet.ca/beam#success for a complete list of successful BEAM projects.

---------------------------------------------
For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at

www.mcnet.ca

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Lakeland Energy Ltd. is Recruiting for a Network Administrator

Lakeland Energy Ltd. has posted a technology job in the job bank at:
http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/detail-eng.aspx?OrderNum=5562026&Source=JobPosting&CommGrouping=GON030&OfferpPage=50&Student=No

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

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Minister Clement Announces Technology Investment in Muskoka

Minister Clement announces investment to enhance broadband services in Muskoka

GRAVENHURST, Ontario, February 19, 2011 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced a Government of Canada investment to improve Information and Communications Technology (ICT) services in the Muskoka region.

“The Government of Canada is working with local organizations such as Muskoka Community Network to establish and expand broadband services that help to create new economic opportunities,” said Minister Clement. “Today’s announcement is providing communities and businesses in the Muskoka area with the tools they need to compete in world markets, promote tourism and help create jobs.”

Muskoka Community Network (MCN) received FedNor funding of $295,000 to support its ongoing operations and implement a Community Atlas Portal. Designed to highlight the recreational, tourism and business resources in the region, the Community Atlas Portal is an integrated, web-based system that will help strengthen the regional economy by promoting business development and attracting tourists to the area.

“FedNor funding has helped us provide broadband access to more than 80% of the un-serviced areas in the Muskoka region,” said Jennifer Schnier, Board Chair, Muskoka Community Network. “The funding announced today is also allowing us to build on our past successes by implementing a web-based application that will support community economic development throughout the region.”

FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program supports projects that strengthen community economic development, enhance business growth and facilitate innovation throughout the region. 

Since 2006, FedNor has invested more than $37.5 million in 104 information and communications technology projects throughout Northern Ontario, helping communities and businesses engage in the digital economy.

To find out more about FedNor, visit us at: http://ic.gc.ca/FedNor

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For more information, please contact:

Heather Hume
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502

Barclay Babcock
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-671-0715 or 1-877-333-6673

http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/fednor-fednor.nsf/eng/fn03502.html
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at http://www.mcnet.ca/

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

CRTC to review billing practices for wholesale Internet services

CRTC to review billing practices for wholesale Internet services

OTTAWA-GATINEAU, february 8, 2011 —The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today launched, of its own initiative, a proceeding to review its decisions on billing practices that would have applied to the residential customers of Small Internet service providers (Small ISPs).

“The great concern expressed by Canadians over this issue is telling of how much the Internet has become an integral part of their lives,” said Konrad von Finckenstein, Q.C., Chairman of the CRTC. “Our approach is based on two fundamental principles:

as a general rule, ordinary consumers served by Small ISPs should not have to fund the bandwidth used by the heaviest residential Internet consumers, and it is in the best interest of consumers that Small ISPs, which offer competitive alternatives to the Large Distributors, should continue to do so.
With these principles in mind, we will be reviewing our decisions with fresh eyes and look forward to hearing the views of Canadians.”

Following a series of decisions, the CRTC had given Large Distributors the permission to change their billing practices for the residential Internet services provided to wholesale customers (i.e. the Small ISPs). Starting on March 1, 2011, the residential customers of Small ISPs would have been subject to additional charges for going over specific bandwidth caps. The CRTC has suspended the implementation of these decisions pending the outcome of the proceeding launched today.

The CRTC is seeking comments on:

How best to implement the following principles with respect to Large Distributors’ wholesale services used by Small ISPs:
as a general rule, ordinary consumers served by Small ISPs should not have to fund the bandwidth used by the heaviest residential Internet consumers, and it is in the best interests of consumers that Small ISPs, which offer competitive alternatives to the Large Distributors, should continue to do so.
Whether the CRTC should set a minimum threshold level for the sale of bandwidth by Large Distributors to the Small ISPs and, if so, what should it be.
Whether it is appropriate to hold an online consultation as part of its review.
Whether it is appropriate to hold an oral public hearing as part of its review.
Interested parties may submit their comments by April 29, 2011, by filling out the online form, https://services.crtc.gc.ca/pub/instances-proceedings/Default.aspx?Status=Open&PubArea=Tel&PubType=NofConsul&PubSubType=All&Lang=eng
by writing to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0N2, or by fax, at 819-994-0218.

Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2011-77 http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2011/2011-77.htm

 
The CRTC
The CRTC is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.


Reference documents:

Statement from the Chairman of the CRTC on usage-based billing, February
3, 2011
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/com100/2011/i110203.htm

Telecom Decision CRTC 2011-44
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2011/2011-44.htm

Telecom Decision CRTC 2010-802
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2010/2010-802.htm

Telecom Decision CRTC 2010-255
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2010/2010-255.htm


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Media Relations:
http://support.crtc.gc.ca/CRTCSubmissionMU/forms/Mediarelations.aspx?lang=e
MediaRelations, Tel: 819-997-9403, Fax: 819-997-4245

General Inquiries:
   Tel: 819-997-0313, TDD: 819-994-0423, Fax: 819-994-0218
   Toll-free # 1-877-249-CRTC (2782)
   TDD - Toll-free # 1-877-909-CRTC (2782)
   Ask a question or make a complaint
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/RapidsCCM/Register.asp?lang=E

These documents are available in alternative format upon request.
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at www.mcnet.ca

Monday, January 31, 2011

MCN COMPLETES BROADBAND BUILD PROJECT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MCN COMPLETES BROADBAND BUILD PROJECT

FINAL TOWERS EXTEND HIGH SPEED TO 12 NEW AREAS OF MUSKOKA

MUSKOKA, Ontario ─ January 31, 2011 ─ Muskoka Community Network (MCN) is pleased to announce that it has completed its broadband build project.

“The addition of 12 final new towers leads us to believe that overall access to high speed internet in Muskoka has reached 85 per cent,” said Rob McPhee, Executive Director, Muskoka Community Network.  “This represents an incredible jump from the 12 per cent coverage rate recorded in 2006 – and rests in excess of the 80 per cent coverage rate Muskoka Community Network had been mandated to achieve.”

“While our budget and plans called for a total of 42 internet points of presence, we have built 65,” added McPhee, “That’s 23 towers above plan, and we’ve done it with no cost overruns and within budget.”

“On behalf of the Harper Government I would like to congratulate Muskoka Community Network on the completion of this important project,” said the Honourable Tony Clement, Member of Parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka. “We are pleased to support MCN through FedNor as they work to improve broadband access and connect communities throughout the Muskoka region.”

“I am thrilled to have access to high-speed at home both personally and professionally," said Kelly Haywood, Executive Director, Huntsville / Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce and Rebecca Lake resident.  "There are so many reasons I wanted better than dial-up service.  High speed enables me to work during snow storms and in the evenings from home, and I’m particularly excited that I can now learn to play the mandolin using YouTube!  The service has been excellent.”

FINAL TOWERS

The final 12 towers expand access to high speed within the Townships of Lake of Bays and Georgian Bay, as well as the Towns of Huntsville, Gravenhurst and Bracebridge. 

·        Within Bracebridge -  Fraserburg (Crockford Road) and Chrysler Road
·        Within Georgian Bay -  Muskoka Mills, Lone Pine Road and Crooked Bay
·        Within Gravenhurst - Gravenhurst North Water Tower and Gravenhurst South Water Tower
·        Within Huntsville - Williamsport Base
·        Within Lake of Bays - Rebecca Lake, Dickie Lake and Camp Lake


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MCN COMPLETES BROADBAND BUILD / PAGE 2 OF 3


Businesses and residents have a choice of 6 internet service providers who can provide them with access to this network.  If you would like to know if you can be connected to high speed internet through this network please visit http://www.corebroadband.ca/index-2.html to directly contact an ISP, or contact Muskoka Community Network at 705-646-9044.

TRAINING AVAILABLE

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 www.mcnet.ca and look for E-Learning – Technology Learning Series.

Muskoka Community Network also provides online training through its Virtual Training Centre.  There are over 450 titles to choose from, including word processing, accounting, spreadsheets, graphic design and recently added virtual computing. Subscribers including businesses, government and individual residents are currently learning 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. 

BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

The Business and Technology Centre of Excellence is a venue open to those in need of technology to host meetings, workshops or training sessions.  Located at 440 Ecclestone Drive in Bracebridge, the Centre is equipped with a large projection screen, 2-40 inch display screens and 8 desks with “hook-up technology” enabling individuals to display to one or all of the screens. To request the centre, please visit www.mcnet.ca/btce
 
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.



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MCN COMPLETES BROADBAND BUILD / PAGE 3 OF 3


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 established in 2000. On December 31, 2010, MCN exceeded its prime mandate to bring high speed internet to 80 per cent of the un-serviced population within Muskoka.  Today, MCN provides the training necessary to use high speed internet to its maximum potential.  If you are interested in training opportunities, or to book the Business and Technology Centre of Excellence for your next meeting, visit www.mcnet.ca

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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)


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

What type of internet connection do you have?