When the selection committee decided that the connectivity needs of the region would be best met through a wireless solution, four applicants were short-listed. The committee selected a consortium of companies, represented by W3Connex and mmWave Integrated Solutions.

The selection of W3Connex and mmWave was based on their performance against the other applicants on a scoring matrix which included criteria like; how the applicants addressed the need of higher bandwidth in the area, the degree of commitment to the project, their demonstrated ability through similar projects and projected cost.

In September of 2005 a new partner came on board to continue with the project delivery and network roll-out. Spectrum 2000 Communications Group Inc. has head offices based in Sudbury with locations throughout Northern Ontario. W3Connex and the Spectrum Group reached an agreement for the transfer of operations.

Similarly in the Muskoka / Parry Sound network build, a local consortium (CORE Broadband) was selected to expand Broadband Services. Both Core and Spectrum Networks will be "Open Access" allowing multiple Internet Service Providers to host end customers.

One of Blue Sky Net's most recent projects is an expansion project on Manitoulin Island. Here Blue Sky Net is working with OmniGlobe Networks based out of Montreal, Quebec. Similar to past projects, this will be a wireless network covering the unserved, and underserved areas of The Island. Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, and FedNor are both contributing.

Click the highlighted links to find out more about the partners involved:

Industry Canada's Broadband For Rural and Northern Development

BRAND targets areas that are unserved by existing Broadband services like DSL or Cable modem. The program funded the creation of a business plan that identified communities needing service. Working with the consulting firm Acres-Pacomm (engaged through a tendering process) the business plan was submitted to Industry Canada and was eventually approved to implement funding to subsidize the infrastructure needed to deploy high speed access to those communities in need.

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation

NOHFC has supported several broadband expansion projects in the area including those in the Almaguin Highlands, Manitoulin Island, Marten River and certain areas throughout Nipissing District and Sudbury East. To date, NOHFC has contributed approximately $2 million to Broadband infrastructure in these areas. 

The Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario 

FedNor has also supported several broadband expansion projects in the area including builds in Muskoka/Parry Sound cerain areas throughout Nipissing District and Sudbury East as well as Manitoulin Island. To date, FedNor has contributed approximately $1.5 million to Broadband infrastructure in these areas. This is in addition to  the $1 million received from the Federal government's BRAND program which contributed $1 million to the initial build in Nipissing District and Sudbury East.

Next>