5Mbps Broadband Enhancement RFP - Almaguin, Muskoka, Parry Sound

Muskoka Community Network is pleased to announce the release of the 5Mbps Broadband Enhancement Request for Proposal (RFP). MCN is seeking submissions from qualified vendors for the provision of broadband service to Almaguin, Muskoka and Parry Sound with speeds of at least 5Mbps.

To view the RFP and for more information, please visit www.mcnet.ca/rfp. Submissions are due by May 9, 2014 at 4:00PM (EST). An optional information session will be held for interested vendors on April 17, 2014. 

Should you have any questions regarding the release of this RFP, please contact Muskoka Community Network at 705-646-9044.

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 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/

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/

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.


-30-


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

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.

-30-

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

Another ISP reseller joins the Open Access Network!

ANOTHER ISP RESELLER JOINS THE OPEN ACCESS NETWORK!
Click Here to find the areas which are now being served by the company Core Broadband , which MCN has contracted to build the open access network in Muskoka. The service area is continually expanding so please check back often. Now two resellers, Vianet and Surenet, have joined this open access network to provide expanded coverage to Muskoka. Contact information for these ISP's is listed on the ISP reseller section of Core Broadband's website.

If you cannot get broadband (high speed) coverage under Core Broadband's network you may be able to get coverage from other ISP's in Muskoka. Click Here for a comprehensive list of ISP's operating in our area.

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

Broadband Improves Education Opportunities

As you probably know, Muskoka has a large rural area which has many areas and communities which are unserved by broadband.

I was recently speaking with a high school teacher in Muskoka who teaches technology related curriculum to his students. He was explaining how his students are "HAVE" and "HAVE NOT" students. What he meant was the "BROADBAND HAVES", and the "BROADBAND HAVE NOTS".

He went on to explain how the HAVES have better access to research material for school projects. Additionally, he explained how the HAVES socialize with their peers online in a way that the HAVE NOTS are not able to.

Now consider the post secondary education scene. Recently the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is offering free courses online. This is attracting over 1,000,000 (1 million) broadband users a month, including users from as far away as Istanbul (Turkey). So it is really very easy to see how access to broadband means access to education and training. For more information see http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2007/12/31/mit.html

In Muskoka we want students of all ages to have access to the resources and materials that will empower the upcoming generation. Good access to broadband will play a vital role in that empowerment.
------------------------------------
For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network at our website at http://www.mcnet.ca

December 2007 Issue - MCN Newsletter - The Packet

Hello from Muskoka Community Network(MCN):

The December 2007 issue of Muskoka Community Network's newletter The Packet is now available online. http://www.mcnet.ca/Docs/packet/12152007.pdf

In this issue:

• Broadband Update
• Tourism Keys III
• Content and Bandwith Shaping
• What does RSS do for me?

We hope you enjoy this issue.

Visit Muskoka Community Network at our website at
www.mcnet.ca

Wireless Broadband Service Expands in Muskoka

Core Broadband, the wholesale network provider contracted by Muskoka Community Network, is continuing to expand wireless broadband service accross Muskoka.

More information about this service and how to access it can be found at:
http://www.corebroadband.ca/
http://www.corebroadband.ca/Towers.html

Visit Muskoka Community Network at our website at
www.mcnet.ca

Content and Bandwidth Shaping - Free Market Vs. Free Speech

The late great Canadian media expert Marshall McLuhan coined the phrase the "The Medium is the Message". While there are many interpretations of McLuhan's phrase, he seems to indicate we become acustomed to things over time that we once found to be on the edge.

Welcome the Internet. The Internet is constantly changing right before our eyes in ways that are sometimes obvious and sometimes more subtle.

Two examples are content and bandwidth shaping. What are these two Internet phenomena?

Bandwidth shaping is a way that some Internet Service Providers (ISP's) manage the bandwidth use of their customers. Automated tools allow an ISP to monitor how their clients use the Internet. If the client "hogs" bandwidth through file sharing applications or other methods that allows the client to take up more than their fair share of bandwidth, the ISP shifts some of the services provided to that client into the equivalent of an Internet slow lane.

ISP's argue that this is required to maintain overall network performance and control their costs. Consumers argue that they aren't getting the bandwidth they pay for. Both have a point.

Content shaping is a different thing all together. Content shaping is a method where companies that provide information content on the Internet shape the content that is delivered to a user based on certain criteria. This technology allows a content provider to target specific information directly to you based on some demographic or even perhaps your individual information. Two companies that are current doing this are Google (see http://www.freepress.net/news/25705) and Rogers (see http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/284761).

Content shaping is a hotly debated topic and it will be a delicate issue for all parties including the public, ISP's, content providers, politicians, and governments.

Here is an example: A person (lets call him Bob) has medical condition X, and a big pharmacuetical company (lets call them Big Pharma) has a medical treatment for condition X. It would be reasonable to assume that Big Pharma will pay big bucks to shape content for their product to Bob. So if Bob is searching for information on medical condition X he may only find content targeted to him through content shaping. Bob may not easily find information on the causes or cures of condition X.

In short, organizations with deep pockets will have the resources to shape content and organizations that don't will have a hard time getting their message heard on the internet.

Imagine a person with a drinking problem searching for help, only to be targeted with beer adverstiments. Content shaping makes this possible.

So the question is this: Is content shaping simply good target marketing, or is it an impediment to freedom of information?

One point of view is that content shaping is good for business, while the other point of view is that this will entirely commercialize the Internet thereby destroying the egalitarian premise and functions which the Internet was founded upon. One of the original premises of the Internet was that universal access to information is an equalizing force. Will content shaping change that equalizing force? In my opinion, content shaping will have a significant influence, but commercialiation won't totally dominate.

Simply think of television broadcasting. If the commercial content is ridiculously out of proporation then users will tune out.

I speculate that the next evolution of the Internet is "Internet Channels" where companies shape content based on what users want and give them the straight goods as well. This would be much like the Golf Channel, The Shopping Channel, or the Home and Garden Channel is to broadcast television.

As far as the Internet goes, we will still have to wait and see what effect bandwidth and content shaping has for the masses.

Visit Muskoka Community Network at our website at
www.mcnet.ca

Nova Scotia Invests $74 Million in Rural Broadband

Nova Scotia is committing $74 million to bring broadband to rural areas.
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/996340.html

This project is a result of contributions from The Federal Government, The Province, Bragg Communications and Seaside Communications.

For more information on this story please visit:
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/996340.html


Visit Muskoka Community Network at our website:
www.mcnet.ca

New Internet Tools Tax Internet Backbone Infrastructure

The Washington post reports that Internet users are embracing video, file sharing and music downloads at an astonishing rate, and all this information flows over the information highway.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/24/AR2007112400807.html

The question is can the digital highway handle the added traffic?

A new study indicates that in it's current state the Internet backbone will have trouble keeping up with this continually increasing flow of digital traffic.

The "side roads" of the internet continue to grow, and all that traffic flows back to the major arteries. It is these major arteries that are bulging and will need significant upgrades to keep pace with the growth of traffic.

Improved local routing, caching, and improving technology infrastructure will all play a part in ensuring that broadband keeps the internet thriving.

Visit Muskoka Community Network at our website at http://www.mcnet.ca

GRAVENHURST TO RECEIVE HIGH SPEED INTERNET SOONER THAN EXPECTED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


GRAVENHURST TO RECEIVE HIGH SPEED INTERNET
SOONER THAN EXPECTED

Local Firefighters and Public Works Gain Improved Radio Coverage in the Process


BRACEBRIDGE – December 3, 2007 - Muskoka Community Network (MCN) is pleased to announce that by working together with the Town of Gravenhurst, many residents and businesses of Gravenhurst will have access to high speed internet 1.5 years sooner than originally planned. It is now anticipated that Gravenhurst will have access to high speed the first quarter of 2008 (formerly late 2009).

Collaboration with the Town has also brought about a solution to two of Gravenhurst’s more pressing communications challenges ─ insufficient two-way radio coverage for both firefighters and the Town’s Public Works department.

“In conversation with Muskoka Community Network we were able to arrange for our new radio equipment to be fixed atop the new broadband towers.” said Bob Colhoun, Deputy Mayor, Gravenhurst.

There will now be upgraded two-way radio coverage for Gravenhurst’s firefighters, improving both public and firefighter safety. There will also be an improvement in two-way radio coverage for the Town’s Public Works department, improving overall efficiency of the department.

“This is truly a win win for the Town of Gravenhurst,” added Colhoun. “Not only will we receive the highly anticipated high speed access sooner, we have saved the Town a large sum of money by optimizing Muskoka Commuity Network’s publicly (FedNor) funded project.”

"This is excellent news for families and businesses in Gravenhurst and I'm proud that our government was able to provide funding to help get this done," said Tony Clement, Minister for FedNor and MP for Parry Sound - Muskoka. "Our partnership with MCN and the Town of Gravenhurst is one more example of how important FedNor investment is to Muskoka and Parry Sound."

“Muskoka Community Network is committed to making the most of the public funding afforded by FedNor,” said Rob McPhee, Executive Director, Muskoka Community Network. “We would be more than happy to work with other towns and townships to explore common goals if opportunity exists.”

(more)
Gravenhurst to Receive / Page 2 of 2


On Bringing High Speed to Muskoka

It is estimated that 12,000 Muskoka-based businesses and residents are currently without access to high speed internet.

“In today’s competitive marketplace, access to high speed internet is a necessary advantage,” said Rob McPhee. “Not only does it benefit business, but residential consumers as well, who are continually in search of better and faster service.”

For the past two years, Muskoka Community Network has been working to bring high speed internet to the unserved businesses and residents of Muskoka and Almaguin.

To date, Muskoka Community Network has performed a gap analysis to determine who is currently without access; has secured substantial funds from FedNor ($1.7 million) 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 earlier this year.

Under this project, wireless broadband coverage is expected to reach 80 per cent of Gravenhurst’s unserved population, including Kilworthy, Kahshe, Houseys Rapids and Barkway. Approximately 20 per cent of the population may not be able to receive service due to terrain or low elevation issues.

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.

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

Alison Withey
Blue Whale Communications Inc.
705-788-0080

Visit Muskoka Community Network at our website at http://www.mcnet.ca

Broadband in Muskoka

Hello from Muskoka Community Network:

Muskoka Community Network is continuing to work towards bringing broadband to Muskoka. Getting businesses and residents high speed internet is one of our main purposes. We know that dial up has limitations and being limited to that technology will hamper the economic and social growth of the area.

We have several different Internet Service Providers in Muskoka. Click here for a complete list of ISPs.

For more information on what Muskoka Community Network is doing to bring broadband to Muskoka visit our website at http://www.mcnet.ca

Get Trained Workers

Hello All:

I have just read in August 2007 edition of "North Country Business" that several agencies across Northern Ontario have come together and provided technology that matchs job seekers and job hunters. This is being done through the website http://www.gettrainedworkers.com/

This kind of regional web prescense helps create "web density" in Northern Ontario. In Muskoka we also need to continue to work on creating web density for our region. The work that "Muskoka Tourism" http://www.discovermuskoka.ca has done in expanding their web prescense assists in helping all businesses in Northern Ontario and Muskoka.

Way to go folks, keep up the good work.

Cheers

Rob McPhee

Internet Service Provider List for Muskoka

Do you need a complete list of internet service providers in Muskoka?

Algonquin Satellite Solutions
1-705-788-4064
algonquinsat@xplornet.com
Satellite

Ardco Systems Inc.
705-746-7610
http://www.ardco.ca/
Satellite

Avery Audio
705-766-2422
http://www.averyaudio.ca/
Satellite

Bell Sympatico
310-7873
http://www.bell.ca/
DSL

Bell Mobility
1-888-454-2676
http://www.Businessonthego.ca/faster
Wireless

Burk’s Falls Radio & TV
1-705-382-2726
Satellite

Candlelight Communications
1-866-629-6616
http://www.candlelight.ca/
Wireless

Click 1 Wireless
1-705-224-1111
http://www.click1.ca/
Wireless, Satellite

Cogeco
1-800-267-9000
http://www.cogeco.ca/
Cable

CompuSat
416-301-4421
http://www.galaxybroadband.ca/
Satellite

Cottage,Home & Business Wireless Internet
1-705-762-3535
http://www.chbhighspeed.net/
Wireless

Daniels Computer Service
705 385 3249
http://www.calldaniels.biz/
Satellite

Hemmings TV & Audio service, Huntsville
1-705-789-3662
Satellite

Huronia Satellite Systems, Midland
1-800-553-4419
http://www.huroniasatellite.on.ca/
Satellite

Indigiinet
1-866-235-7510
http://www.indigiinet.com/
Wireless

Lakeland Energy
1-705-646-9014
http://www.lakelandenergy.com/
Fibre

MCC Solutions
1-705-635-3473
http://www.mccsolutions.ca/
Satellite, Wireless, Hotspot

Point to Point Broadband
1-705-721-9877
http://www.ptpbroadband.com/
Wireless

Safe N Sound
1-705-389-2908
http://www.safensound.ca/
Satellite

Surenet
1-866-700-1977
http://www.surenet.net/
Cable, DSL

Vianet
1-800-788-0363
http://www.vianet.ca/
Cable, DSL, Wireless, Fibre

Muskoka.com has been transferred to Vianet.
See http://www.muskoka.com/index1.htm for more details

W3 Connex
1-888-235-9326
http://www.w3connex.com/
Wireless, Fibre

NOTE: MCN has made best efforts to include all known internet service providers in and around Muskoka and properly describe their services. If you are a service provider and we have missed you, or information needs to be updated, please contact us.

For a complete up to date list visit
http://www.mcnet.ca/servicedirectory/ISP/

http://http://www.mcnet.ca/

Keep up to date at Muskoka Community Network

Hello All:

When you join the MCN e-mail list, we will send you periodic updates on things like broadband expansion, training opportunities, and our newsletter. What's really cool is when you subscribe to a certain topic, you only receive information on that topic. This way you get the right information, and keep inbox clutter to a minimum.
http://www.mcnet.ca/signup

Cheers

Rob McPhee

MCN Frequently Asked Questions

Hello Everyone:

If you are interested in finding out what Muskoka Community Network is doing to bring high speed internet to Muskoka, you may want to read MCN's recently published frequently asked questions document (FAQ) which you can find at http://www.mcnet.ca/faq/

Cheers

Rob McPhee