A local project aimed at improving high-speed internet access is getting provincial support.
The Ontario government's announced a total of $14.7-million for thirteen projects under the Improving Connectivity for Ontario - ICON - program, including up to $1,416,643 to help increase access for up to 2295 homes or businesses in Brunswick House First Nation, Chapleau, Chapleau Cree First Nation, Dubreuilville, Hornepayne, Michipicoten First Nation, Missanabie Cree First Nation, Pic Mobert First Nation, Wawa, and White River.
This comes as the Township of Dubreuilville's signed an agreement-in-principle with a consortium led by Community Network Partners for the contruction and operation of a next generation broadband fibre optic network for the community - construction and "a community-wide pre-sales campaign" is expected to start next month, allowing residents to sign up for packages with a new community-based internet services provider.
The Limited Partnership's expected to invest $1.15-million and co-own the "last mile network" connecting the Township facilities, while Community Network Partners will operate and service the network, partnering with Trispec Communications to provide planning, design, project management, and construction of the fiber access network, which will be private, closed to third-party retail-selling providers.