ABRA Program Extension

Subject: ABRA Program Extension

Release Date: January 29, 2014

MUSKOKA, ONTARIO. Muskoka Community Network is pleased to announce that the Advanced Broadband for Remote Areas (ABRA) program has been extended to March 15, 2014. The deadline has been extended to support businesses improving their Internet infrastructure as required within their business. Additionally, Muskoka Community Network is pleased to accept new applications where projects can be completed by the deadline of March 15th, 2014.

The ABRA program can assist rural and remote Northern Ontario businesses in working with a vendor to deliver high-speed internet access to match their business needs.

Jack Marshall, of Jack Marshall Developments LTD in Almaguin, recently completed an ABRA project. Jack notes that “the ABRA program is a great opportunity for businesses in the region. Muskoka Community Network’s service was helpful and efficient.”

Over the past year, Muskoka Community Network has provided support to 15 organizations. Muskoka Rent-All recently upgraded to a fibre optic internet connection in Huntsville. Cory Joiner of Muskoka Rent-All says “this improvement allows our employees to spend less time waiting for the Internet when ordering parts online. This improves our efficiency and our customer’s experience. . .”

To learn more about the program or to apply, visit: http://www.mcnet.ca/abra.

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For more information, please contact:

Marjorie MacDonald, Office Manager/Information Technology Specialist

Muskoka Community Network

705-646-9044 ext. 3

marjorie.macdonald@mcnet.ca

ABOUT MUSKOKA COMMUNITY NETWORK

Muskoka Community Network is a not-for-profit organization that creates economic value by building technology capacity through partnerships in the digital economy. For more information on Muskoka Community Network, please visit www.mcnet.ca.

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

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

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

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/

ACCESS TO HIGH SPEED EXPANDS FURTHER IN MUSKOKA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ACCESS TO HIGH SPEED EXPANDS FURTHER WITHIN BRACEBRIDGE, HUNTSVILLE AND LAKE OF BAYS


BROADBAND BUILD NEARING COMPLETION

MUSKOKA, Ontario ─ October 27, 2010 ─ Muskoka Community Network (MCN) is pleased to announce that access to high speed internet has arrived for the residents and businesses of four additional areas within Bracebridge, Huntsville and Lake of Bays.

Areas include: Black Bridge within Bracebridge; South Ril Lake and Fox Point within Lake of Bays; and Ilfracombe within Huntsville.
As Muskoka Community Network works to complete the remaining towers, access will continue 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/

“If you remain without high speed, please let us know,” said Rob McPhee, Executive Director, Muskoka Community Network. “We will have achieved our goals for this project by the end of this year, so this project will be coming to a close as of December 31.”

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 www.mcnet.ca.

"High speed internet has been a blessing for our entire family, said Peter Allen, Huntsville resident benefiting from the Ilfracombe tower. “It’s an absolute necessity when it comes to homework for the kids and, for the first time ever, we can download pictures and larger documents in a reasonable fashion.”

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 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. 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.

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 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)
alison@bluewhalecommunications.com


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

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

HIGH SPEED AVAILABILITY UPDATE

MUSKOKA COMMUNITY NETWORK ANNOUNCES
ACCESS TO HIGH SPEED IN THREE ADDITIONAL AREAS OF
HUNTSVILLE AND LAKE OF BAYS

May 3, 2010 ─ Muskoka Community Network (MCN) is pleased to announce that access to high speed internet has arrived for the residents and businesses of Tackaberry and Menominee/Tooke Lakes in Lake of Bays, as well as Mary Lake North (Lynx Lake Road) in Huntsville. An existing tower in Kilworthy has also received upgrades to expand the service to new users.

“Every day this network is expanding,” said Rob McPhee, Executive Director, Muskoka Community Network. “Since 2006, over 2000 people crossing 33 areas of Muskoka have begun enjoying faster more reliable connections.”

“This leads us to believe that overall access to high speed internet has exceeded the 80 per cent mark ─ thanks to the efforts of Muskoka Community Network and a variety of Internet Service Providers,” added McPhee.

"High speed internet access is more than just convenience and faster speeds," said Jim Bunnell and Susan Craig, residents on Menominee Lake. "It became a necessity in order to operate the software required for our home office because dial-up could not meet the minimum standard required.”

“High speed wireless has opened new possibilities for us that did not exist on dial-up,” added Bunnell and Craig. “Finally, living in Muskoka no longer means being left behind."

Muskoka Community Network is working on 11 more 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/

READY TO SURF?

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 Planning Your Website, How to Profit from E-Business and Technology Management.

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 and even graphic design. 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.

STILL ON DIAL-UP?

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/.

For businesses unable to get high speed through existing means, Muskoka Community Network offers financial assistance to establish a satellite broadband connection. Through Muskoka Community Network`s Satellite Internet Remote Areas (SIRA) program, qualifying businesses may receive up to 75 per cent of the supported costs of equipment and installation (up to $1000).

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.

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/

Human Resources Assessment - Request for Proposal

As part of the business planning process, Muskoka Community Network is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to conduct a Human Resources Assessment.

Please visit www.mcnet.ca/rfp for more information.



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

Muskoka Gets Broadband in 4 More Areas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


REMOTE AREAS OF BRACEBRIDGE, HUNTSVILLE AND GEORGIAN BAY BEGIN ENJOYING FASTER, MORE RELIABLE INTERNET CONNECTIONS FOR THE FIRST TIME

MUSKOKA, Ontario ─ October 9, 2009 ─ Muskoka Community Network (MCN) is pleased to announce that high speed internet has arrived for the first time in the remote areas of:

· Springdale Park, Bracebridge
· Minors Bay, Township of Georgian Bay
· South Bay, Township of Georgian Bay
· Brunel Road, Near Whitehouse Road, Huntsville

“Downloading and sending large documents took an incredible amount of time,” said Bill Cowan a resident of Whitehouse Road. “The arrival of high speed in my neighborhood has made everything much easier.”

MCN is working to bring broadband to approximately 15 more areas of Muskoka.
Service is presently being expanded in the Townships of Lake of Bays and Georgian Bay, as well as the Towns of Huntsville, Gravenhurst and Bracebridge. Please check http://www.mcnet.ca/projects/broadsched/ for more information.

Connected to Date

To date, Muskoka Community Network has successfully coordinated the arrival of high speed internet in 28 previously unserviced locations, including the first nation community of Moose Deer Point.

Within Bracebridge:
Clear Lake; Portions of Falkenburg Station; Springdale Park; Stephenson Road 1 near Highway 11; Outlying areas of Taylor Road

Within the Township of Georgian Bay:
Baxter; South of the town of Mactier; West of the town of Mactier; Minors Bay; South Bay

Within Gravenhurst:
Barkaway; West Gravenhurst; Housey Rapids; Port Stanton; Ryde

Within Huntsville
Brunel Road – near Whitehouse road; Clearwater Lake Road (Port Sydney); Deer Lake Road (North); Lake Waseosa; Lancelot; Madill Church – just south of Huntsville

Within Lake of Bays:
Bella Lake; Blue Lake; Parts of Camp Lake; Hillside; Tasso Lake; Toad Lake

Within First Nations Communities:
Moose Deer Point

This newly established wireless broadband coverage is expected to reach 80 per cent of the unserved population within these areas. Coverage will continue to improve as more towers come online.

Residents within these communities, or areas, who would like to determine if they are eligible for high speed wireless on this network, can contact a Core Broadband reseller. To find a Core Broadband reseller visit www.corebroadband.ca and click on ISP’S (internet service providers).

Residents can also find a complete list of ISP’s IN MUSKOKA by visiting http://www.mcnet.ca/servicedirectory/ISP/

Making the Most of High Speed

While the majority of people use high speed for e-mail and browsing the web, there are many more applications available.

To help Muskokans learn about these possibilities MCN provides classroom style workshops for businesses, organizations and individuals who want to grow their tech capacity. Topics include Planning Your Website, How to Profit from E-Business and Technology Management.

MCN also provides online training through its virtual training centre. There are over 450 titles to choose from, including word processing, accounting, spreadsheets and even graphic design. Subscribers including businesses, government and individual residents are currently learning in this environment. All you need is a high speed internet connection and a desire to learn. These online courses are FREE to Muskokans

Still on Dial Up?

Residents without high speed internet service are asked to let MCN 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 www.mcnet.ca.

For businesses unable to get high speed through existing means, MCN offers financial assistance to establish a satellite broadband connection. Through MCNs Satellite Internet Remote Areas (SIRA) program, qualifying businesses may receive up to 75 per cent of the supported costs of equipment and installation (up to $1000)


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, MCN has secured 2.5 million dollars in public funding from FedNor. 1.7 million dollars was secured for broadband 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 facilitating the implementation of telecommunications solutions for the regions of Muskoka and Almaguin, by working with and forming partnerships with both the public and private sectors.


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

Rob McPhee
Muskoka Community Network
705-646-9044
http://www.mcnet.ca
rob.mcphee@mcnet.ca

OR

Alison Withey
Blue Whale Communications Inc.
705-788-0080
alison@bluewhalecommunications.com

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

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

Do you have an internet connection? Your neighbour may Thank You!

Industry Canada has unveiled a new mapping system for their nation wide broadband assessment, and are looking for your input. If you have internet, no matter how you get it (DSL, Wireless, Cable, Fibre, or dial-up), no matter where you live (in Canada), please take a moment and put yourself on the map. www.ic.gc.ca/broadbandmaps


This information will assist Industry Canada to continue to move broadband coverage forward.


Question: I already have broadband. Why would I bother adding myself to the map?

Answer: Gathering comprehensive information on broadband coverage is difficult and the coverage is continually changing. By adding yourself to the map, resources can be properly focused to continue to deploy broadband to the most needed areas.

If you already have broadband you will be assisting in determining where broadband is, and how fast it is. This information also then makes it clear where broadband "is not".

Muskoka Community Network would appreciate it if you take a moment and provide this information to Industry Canada.
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca

Broadband Canada- Connecting Rural Canadians

The first phase of the Broadband Canada: Connecting Rural Canadians - the broadband mapping verification process - began July 6th. We are inviting Canadians to tell us about their Internet access. Canadians can find their location on a map of Canada and from there they will be directed to a summary information page which will tell them if, according to our information, that location has broadband Internet access. From there they will be able to complete a feedback form to give us more information about their service.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) is also being asked to verify their coverage by July 24th. This exercise is primarily directed at facilities-based ISPs, but re-sellers are also be invited to participate. Through an email invitation, ISPs will be directed to the mapping website ((www.ic.gc.ca/broadbandmaps) and provided with a username and password to access PDF maps that indicate broadband coverage in Canada, and another group of corresponding PDF maps with numbered hexagons. We are asking ISP to send us their coverage information either in MapInfo Pro files, or simply list the hexagon numbers that correspond to their coverage.

More info via the following links (http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/719.nsf/eng/home) and (http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/719.nsf/eng/h_00001.html).
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca

Industry Canada - Moving Forward the Digital Strategy

On June 22nd, 2009 the Canadian Minister of Industry hosted The Digital Economy Forum.

The purpose of the forum was to provide a one-day forum to identify the key areas of action necessary for Canada to regain its leadership position in the Digital Economy.

More information on the The Digital Economy Forum can be found here:
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ecic-ceac.nsf/eng/h_gv00526.html

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For more information on broadband and how Muskoka is building technology capacity, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at www.mcnet.ca

More Broadband in Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Lake of Bays, Georgian Bay

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HIGH SPEED INTERNET ARRIVES IN FOUR ADDITIONAL REMOTE AREAS OF GRAVENHURST, HUNTSVILLE, LAKE OF BAYS AND GEORGIAN BAY

MUSKOKA, Ontario ─ April 23rd, 2009 ─ Muskoka Community Network (MCN) is pleased to announce that high speed internet has arrived for the first time ever in the remote areas of:

· Baxter, Township of Georgian Bay
· Port Stanton, Gravenhurst
· Lake Waseosa, Huntsville
· Hillside, Township of Lake of Bays

“I had the new service installed earlier this month and it is wonderful to be off dial up internet. It’s reliable and it’s fast.” said Joe McRobb, beneficiary of the newly established broadband tower in Port Stanton, Gravenhurst.

Additional service is being expanded in the Townships of Lake of Bays and Georgian Bay, as well as the Towns of Huntsville, Gravenhurst and Bracebridge. Please check http://www.mcnet.ca/projects/broadsched/ for more information.

To date, Muskoka Community Network has successfully coordinated the arrival of high speed internet in 25 previously unserviced locations, including the first nation community of Moose Deer Point.

Within Bracebridge:
Clear Lake
Portions of Falkenburg Station
Portions of Springdale Park
Stephenson Road 1 near Highway 11
Outlying areas of Taylor Road

Within the Township of Georgian Bay:
Baxter
South of the town of Mactier
West of the town of Mactier

Within Gravenhurst:
Barkaway
West Gravenhurst
Housey Rapids
Port Stanton
Ryde

Within Huntsville
Clearwater Lake Road (Port Sydney)
Deer Lake Road (North)
Lake Waseosa
Lancelot
Madill Church – just south of Huntsville

Within Lake of Bays:
Bella Lake
Blue Lake
Parts of Camp Lake
Hillside
Tasso Lake
Toad Lake

Within First Nations Communities:
Moose Deer Point


This newly established wireless broadband coverage is expected to reach 80 per cent of the unserved population within these areas. Coverage will continue to improve as more towers come on-line. For those unable to access high speed wireless service, satellite high speed may be available.

IF YOU ARE A RESIDENT in these communities, or areas, and would like to determine if you are eligible for high speed wireless on this network, contact a Core Broadband reseller. To find a Core Broadband reseller visit http://www.corebroadband.ca/ and click on ISP’S (internet service providers).

You can also find a complete list of ISP’s IN MUSKOKA by visiting http://www.mcnet.ca/servicedirectory/ISP/


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. 1.7 million dollars was secured for broadband 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 facilitating the implementation of telecommunications solutions for the regions of Muskoka and Almaguin, by working with and forming partnerships with both the public and private sectors.


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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

or

Alison Withey
Blue Whale Communications Inc.
705-788-0080
alison@bluewhalecommunications.com

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

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

HIGH SPEED INTERNET ARRIVES IN FIVE REMOTE AREAS OF MUSKOKA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HIGH SPEED INTERNET ARRIVES FOR FIRST TIME EVER IN FIVE REMOTE AREAS OF MUSKOKA

Muskoka, Ontario ─ January 19th, 2009 ─ Muskoka Community Network (MCN) is pleased to announce that high speed internet has arrived for the first time ever in the remote areas of:

· Moose Deer Point, a first nations community
· Bella Lake, Lake of Bays
· Clear Lake, Bracebridge
· Madill Church, just south of Huntsville
· and the outlying areas of Taylor Road, Bracebridge

“High speed is more than a business advantage, it’s a basic business requirement,” said Eric Lindgren, head potter, Lindgren Pottery Showroom and resident, Madill Church.

“In its absence, all communications – be it with customers, suppliers or even the government – are a struggle, and at times counterproductive,” Lindgren added. “I’m looking forward to a substantial decrease in the insanity now that we have high speed in the Madill Church area.”

Additional service is being expanded in the Townships of Lake of Bays and Georgian Bay, as well as the Towns of Huntsville, Gravenhurst and Bracebridge. Please check http://www.mcnet.ca/projects/broadsched/ for more information.

“At a time when the economy is under duress, the extension of high speed to as many people as possible is more important than ever,” said Rob McPhee, Executive Director, at Muskoka Community Network. “In fact, in December FedNor echoed this sentiment with an additional investment of $491,200.00, enabling Muskoka Community Network to continue coordinating the deployment of broadband services and provide training opportunities to the residents and businesses of Muskoka and Almaguin,” added McPhee.

To date, Muskoka Community Network has successfully coordinated the arrival of high speed internet in 18 previously unserviced locations, including the first nation community of Moose Deer Point.

Within Bracebridge:
Portions of Springdale Park
Portions of Falkenburg Station
Stephenson Road 1 near Highway 11
Outlying areas of Taylor Road
Clear Lake

Within the Township of Georgian Bay:
South of the town of Mactier
West of the town of Mactier


Within Gravenhurst:
Ryde
Barkaway
Housey Rapids
West Gravenhurst

Within Huntsville:
Madill Church – just south of Huntsville


Within Lake of Bays:
Tasso Lake
Toad Lake
Blue Lake
Parts of Camp Lake
Bella Lake

Within First Nations Communities:
Moose Deer Point

“Core Broadband was retained by Muskoka Community Network to build the actual infrastructure and we’re proud to have played such a large role in connecting 18 communities to date, said Neil Smellie, Core Broadband. “Having said that, we are incredibly appreciative of the work done by Indigiinet, an internet service provider, whom we sub-contracted to assist in the establishment of high speed within the first nations community of Moose Deer Point. It was Bill Hay, Chairman and CEO of Indigiinet who worked closely with the communities’ Band Council to make it happen.”

This newly established wireless broadband coverage is expected to reach 80 per cent of the unserved population within these areas. Coverage will continue to improve as more towers come on-line. For those unable to access high speed wireless service, satellite high speed may be available.

IF YOU ARE A RESIDENT in these communities, or areas, and would like to determine if you are eligible for high speed wireless on this network, contact a Core Broadband reseller. To find a Core Broadband reseller visit www.corebroadband.ca and click on ISP’S (internet service providers).

You can also find a complete list of ISP’s IN MUSKOKA by visiting http://www.mcnet.ca/servicedirectory/ISP/


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.

In 2007, Muskoka Community Network secured $1.7 million from FedNor towards the development of an infrastructure to deliver broadband to unserved areas; and through an open bidding process retained Core Broadband to begin building the necessary infrastructure early last year.

About Muskoka Community Network
Muskoka Community Network (MCN) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to facilitating the implementation of telecommunications solutions for the regions of Muskoka and Almaguin, by working with and forming partnerships with both the public and private sectors.

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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

OR

Alison Withey

Blue Whale Communications Inc.

705-788-0080

alison@bluewhalecommunications.com

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

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

Saskatchewan invests $129 Million in Broadband

The Province of Saskatchewan is investing $129 Million dollars to bring broadband to the entire province over 3 years. For more details visit:

http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2008/11/26/internet-access.html?ref=rss

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

CRTC sides with Bell throttling complaint, for now.

Today, the Globe and Mail reported that Bell can continue with it's bandwidth throttling policy in response to a complaint put forward to the CRTC by the Canadian Association of Internet Providers (CAIP). For more information on this story go here.


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

Bell insists throttling Internet services necessary

The Montreal Gazette reports that "Bell insists throttling Internet services necessary".

Bell's statement was made as a response to the Canadian Association of Internet Providers request to CRTC to have Bell cease and desist bandwidth shaping.

For more information visit:
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=3b50140e-610c-4245-a234-1ae04193a5f2&k=66930

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

Australia Ups the Broadband Bar

The Australians seem to be following a process similar to the Canadian one when it comes to public broadband development.

Recently, the Federal Government in Australia issued request for proposals from interested parties to supply broadband to 98% of Australia's premises.

However, the one notable difference is the speed requirement that the Australians are looking for. They are looking for 12Mbps connections. Currently these speeds are usually top end packages in Canada for residential and small businesses, but the Australians are setting higher speed as the new norm.

To remain competitive in the Global economy, Canada, and certainly Muskoka will need to work hard to pace this gap.

For more information visit:
http://whirlpool.net.au/article.cfm/1787

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

NUPGE asks CRTC to investigate TRAFFIC SHAPING"

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) asks CRTC to investigate Internet 'traffic shaping'

http://www.mediacastermagazine.com/issues/ISArticle.asp?id=82157&issue=03312008

http://www.nupge.ca/news_2008/n28ma08c.htm

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

BIG BUZZ on the Internet over BANDWIDTH SHAPING

It seems that Bell is moving forward with bandwidth shaping. Implementing this policy affects broadband service delivery for consumers, and now also affects many ISP's who purchase wholesale bandwidth from Bell. Effectively, Bell, is throttling bandwidth in a way that affects service delivery to their retail and wholesale (smaller ISP's) customers.

For Internet users, bandwidth shaping can be compared to buying water through a piped service, and if the company that provides that piped water doesn't like how much water you are using at a particular time, they turn your tap down to a trickle, or in this case they throttle your bandwidth and limit your speed.

Here are several stories that cover BANDWIDTH SHAPING and demonstrate how this is affecting certain consumers, content providers, and ISP's.

(For an explanation on BANDWIDTH SHAPING see our earlier blog entry at http://mcnblogger.blogspot.com/2007/12/content-and-bandwidth-shaping-free.html )

CBC reports that "ISP's LIMIT ACCESS TO CBC DOWNLOAD, USERS SAY".
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/tv/story/2008/03/26/bittorrent-cbc.html

Digitalhome.ca reports that "ISP's CRY FOUL OVER TRAFFIC SHAPING".
http://www.digitalhome.ca/content/view/2402/206/

The Globe and Mail reports that "BELL IRKS ISPS WITH NEW THROTTLING POLICY", http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080325.wgtinternet26/BNStory/Technology

The Globe and Mail also reports that "BELL TO PLAY TRAFFIC COP ON INTERNET BANDWIDTH".
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080326.RINTERNET26/TPStory/Business

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

Muskoka E-business Forum - March 26th, 2008

The Muskoka E-Business Forum 'E-Biz for Your Biz!'

The Muskoka E-Business Forum is a dynamic day long seminar on March 26th 2008 for Muskoka. Hosted by the Muskoka Enterprise Centre and Muskoka Community Network, the E-Biz Forum will explore the future and opportunities of E-Business and Web 2.0.

Learn how to turn E-Business into dollars for Your Business.

For more information click Here

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To Register Now, Click Here

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The E-Business Forum will feature Fascinating speakers including:
Keynote: Robert J. Sawyer
A renowned author and speaker, his non-fiction has appeared in Canadian Business, The Financial Times of Canada, The Globe & Mail, Maclean's and Report on Business Magazine. As both a business speaker and science fiction author, Robert will highlight the opportunities offered to busines by the growth of E-Business and Web 2.0. Robert specializes in making sense of technology and distilling the opportunities in plain english.

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Panelist: Kenneth Donald
Kenneth Donald is an accomplished business executive with extensive local, national and international experience in Information Technology and E-Business. Kenneth is a Muskoka resident and will explore with you the opportunities of E-Business for small businesses right here in Muskoka! Kenneth will then discuss Business Re-Engineering for E-Business and how it applies to businesses like yours!

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Panelist: Rob McPhee

Rob has been involved with business and technology for more than 20 years. Over his career Rob has provided technology solutions to meet business goals to a wide variety of clients including multi-national corporations, governments at all levels, and small and medium sized businesses.
For the Muskoka E-business forum, Rob will provide a practical approach with 5 online marketing strategies available to your organization.

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More coming soon! The Muskoka E-Business forum is an excellent opportunity to showcase your company's products and services. Showcase your company to a diverse array of Muskoka Businesses and Decision Makers.

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Sponsorship provided by:

For more information on Sponsoring or Exhibiting at this event please click here.

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View Larger Map


When:
Wednesday March 26th, 2008 8:45am

With Generous Support From:

The Muskoka E-Business Forum is a joint venture between Muskoka Community Network and Muskoka Enterprise Centre

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

Media Reports on Broadband

Various Muskoka publications including the Bracebridge Examiner, the Gravenhurst Banner, the Huntsville Forester, and Muskoka Today have been running stories related to broadband projects in the Muskoka area.

To find the articles that have appeared in the Bracebridge Examiner and the Gravenhurst Banner follow this link:
http://www.muskoka-news.com/searchResults?t=&r=category%3A%22Muskoka%22&q=broadband

To find articles that have appeared in the Huntsville Forester follow this link: http://www.huntsvilleforester.com/searchResults?t=&r=category%3A%22Forester%22&q=broadband

To find articles that have appeared in Muskoka Today follow this link:
http://www.muskokatoday.com/

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