KO presentation at the Alberta SuperNet Opportunities conference
The Alberta SuperNet Research Alliance hosted a two day conference in Calgary for community representatives from all the communities across Alberta that are now connected by their new broadband fibre network. The Alberta SuperNet Opportunities Conference (http://supernet.ucalgary.ca/opportunities/) brought together a variety of presenters sharing information about how this new broadband network can be developed and utilized.
The Keewaytinook Okimakanak presentation highlighted the development of the local Community Broadband Network model being supported by the Kuhkenak Network. Emphasis is placed on sustaining the local broadband connection by building and supporting local capacity that is able to support and connect the various local agencies, businesses and homes to utilize and pay for this service.
The Research Alliance urged Albertans from all communities to register online for this exciting public conference. Registration fees were $225 and included 2 days of expert panels which were structured to help explore the opportunities of the SuperNet in each community.
As part of SuperNet's commitment to community involvement, they provided one free conference registration to each of the 429 communities on SuperNet. Axia also sponsored 30 remote community members with a $500 allowance to travel into the conference - a draw took place from those members who registered online.
The conference was intended to celebrate this unique initiative and participants were treated to the following activities:
- the Alberta SuperNet Research Alliance sharing findings from their research into community based issues and opportunities from the past three years of the project;
- 429 communities learned about and shared information on the countless opportunities now available through broadband;
- experts and professionals from education, health care, disaster and emergency, libraries, tourism, industry, and more exhibited the applications and technologies that are made possible by broadband;
- delegates were provided with numerous opportunities to network throughout the conference and shared experiences and expertise with one another.