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On Friday, August 26, the National Indigenous Community Satellite Network contact, Joe Lance of the Kativik Regional Government, received a letter indicating that the NICSN expression of interest for Round 2 of funding has been invited to proceed to the project development stage. The NICSN application is requesting two additional C-Band transponders to accommodate the various broadband applications being provided in remote Aboriginal communities across the northern parts of Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba. In total over 40 remote communities are to served by the satellite bandwidth being requested by NICSN from Industry Canada's National Satellite Initiative. For more information about NICSN, visit http://smart.knet.ca/satellite.

National Satellite Initiative - Round 2: Notifications of Interest

This round of funding consists of $85 million managed by Infrastructure Canada to fund the acquisition of satellite capacity, and possibly common ground infrastructure, for satellite-based broadband projects in isolated and remote communities across Canada where satellite is the only practical means of providing broadband access.

Round 2 of the National Satellite Initiative received 27 notifications of interest in funding for satellite-based broadband projects. From the above link to the NSI site the details about each submission, including contact names and telephone numbers can be found. Industry Canada-Infrastructure Canada thanks all interested parties for their participation in this broadband initiative.

August 25, 2005

SIOUX LOOKOUT – The Ontario government is strengthening the North’s economic development potential by supporting two studies on telecommunications infrastructure, Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci announced today.

"Our government recognizes the importance of ensuring modern, reliable telecommunications infrastructure is in place across Northern Ontario," Bartolucci said. "These studies will help determine which areas lack these services and how best to make the technology accessible to all northerners."

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is providing $100,000 to NetCentral Community Communications Network, based in Sudbury, to conduct a cellular infrastructure study on behalf of all Community Based Networks (CBNs) in Northern Ontario. The study will provide a more complete picture of existing and required cellular infrastructure throughout the North.

NetCentral is also receiving $30,000 to conduct a gap analysis and needs assessment study within Northern Ontario’s information and communication technology (ICT) sector. This study will provide an overview of ICT services available in communities across the North and a complete baseline study for use in evaluating ICT development progress.

"We are committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by northerners," said Bartolucci, who also chairs the NOHFC. "These studies will help define strategies to improve telecommunications services in the North and lead to renewed economic prosperity."

"The need for extending cellular service and Information and Communications Technology is supported by municipalities throughout Northern Ontario," said David Courtemanche, Chairman of NetCentral and Mayor of the City of Greater Sudbury. "Once the gaps are identified, we can develop cost-effective solutions that offers widespread benefits to residents, municipalities, industry and tourists."

This NOHFC project is part of the government’s Northern Prosperity Plan for building stronger northern communities. The Northern Prosperity Plan has four pillars: Strengthening the North and its Communities; Listening to and Serving Northerners Better; Competing Globally; and Providing Opportunities for All.

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Contacts:

Laura Blondeau
Minister’s Office – Sudbury
(705) 564-7454

Michel Lavoie
MNDM/NOHFC – Sudbury
(705) 564-7125

www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca

Modernized Infrastructure Boosts Economic Development