Ontera wins high speed chase

Ontera News Release

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Sixteen northern Ontario communities will soon have access to high speed Internet (broadband) service, which will provide for enhanced business and educational opportunities in the region.

NEOnet (the Northeastern Ontario Communications Network) announced in late June that it had awarded a $5.5 million contract to expand broadband services to Ontera, the telecommunications division of Ontario Northland. The contract, realized in part through investments by the provincial government’s Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, will see Ontera implement high speed Internet service in currently underserviced communities in the Timiskaming District and Gogama-Foleyet area.

“We are excited to work with NEOnet to create opportunities for residents of the North,” said Ontario Northland Vice President Paul Goulet, who is responsible for Ontera. “High speed access equalizes the field for companies and individuals alike, providing expanded options for personal, professional and economic development.”

Ontera will begin to work on the network expansion immediately and expects the installation to be complete by October 2008. Some customers will see enhanced services as early as December 2007.

“At its completion, nearly 3,000 additional residences, businesses and public sector entities throughout our region will have the opportunity to benefit from this project, as it will provide them with the tools to develop, grow and contribute to a prosperous north,” said Michel Desjardins, Chairperson of NEOnet.

The following communities, which currently have access to dial-up Internet service only, will benefit from this initiative:
Chaput Hughes
Foleyet
Gogama
Gowganda
Kenogami
King Kirkland
Shining Tree
Temagami North
Town of Latchford
Township of Armstrong (Kenabeek)
Township of Casey
Township of Chamberlain/ Hough Lake
Township of Coleman
Township of Gauthier/ Dobie
Township of Maisonville (Sesekinika)
Westree

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