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
-30-

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?