Barrett Xplore Inc. (BXI), through its Xplornet brand, is
pleased to announce that the expansion of its fixed wireless
network in rural areas across Frontenac County is progressing
successfully and on schedule.
The areas of Inverary, Glendower, Cole Lake, Piccadilly, Oak
Flats, Perth Road, Raymonds Corners, Wilmer, Burnt Hills and Port
Metcalfe (including parts of Howe Island) are now able to access
high-speed Internet via six new Xplornet fixed wireless towers,
with one additional tower to become operational before the end of
the year. In addition to three pre-existing broadcast sites,
these enhancements will bring the total number of towers to ten in
Frontenac County.
"This broadband project plays an important role in supporting
the long-term sustainability of Frontenac County, so we are
thrilled that it is progressing on schedule," said Bob Davie, BXI
Vice President. "We would like to thank the County, Townships and
local residents for their ongoing support in helping BXI finalize
network designs and secure the necessary approvals and permits. We
are looking forward to completing our project and offering
affordable high-speed Internet service across the County."
As part of the broadband project announced in July, BXI has been
working with Frontenac County representatives to expand its
existing network of fixed wireless towers in the region to
accelerate the availability of high‐speed Internet to residents,
businesses, educators, and health professionals. When originally
announced, the project completion date was set for early 2010.
In addition to the sites that are live now, the project will
deliver fixed wireless services in and around Bedford Mills.
Pre-existing coverage is available around Elginburg,
Sydenham, and Marysville.
Technology and network coverage
Xplornet will use two complementary technologies to provide 100%
coverage in the current broadband gap areas - fixed wireless and
satellite. Both technologies deliver urban-like quality and speeds
at affordable prices.
Xplornet will primarily use licensed fixed wireless technology,
supplemented by coverage utilizing unlicensed spectrum in some
areas. Licensed spectrum allows Xplornet to offer service that is
free from potential radio frequency (RF) interference from other
wireless signals (e.g. other wireless Internet service providers,
corporate and industrial wireless communication or monitoring
systems, etc). The majority of the expanded network within
Frontenac County will operate on Xplornet's licensed frequency and
some current broadcast locations will also be upgraded to utilize
licensed spectrum equipment.
Fixed wireless does have some coverage limitations as it is a
line-of-sight technology. Therefore, a small percentage of homes or
businesses may not be able to receive a fixed wireless signal due
to obstructions or topography. Xplornet will utilize satellite
broadband technology to serve those residents who are unable to
access the expanded fixed wireless network once it is fully
deployed.
Benefits of Xplornet high-speed Internet
service
- Fast - fixed wireless speeds and satellite download speeds can
reach up to 5.0 Mbps1, which is up to 125 times faster
than dial-up
- Affordable - fixed wireless service packages start from $29.99
per month2 and high-speed packages (1.5 Mbps or above)
from $44.99 per month.3 Satellite service plans start
from $49.99 per month.4
- No phone line required
- Serviced by local dealers
- Free 24/7/365 customer and technical support
- Always on, always ready
- 30-day money-back
guarantee
How can I obtain more information?
Periodic project updates will be available on the County and
Xplornet Web sites. If you are interested in more information, you
can:
- call or visit an Xplornet Authorized Dealer. Our
dealer locator will provide you with driving directions to
dealers in your area.
- complete the no-obligation sign up form if you would like to be
referred to a dealer in your area.
- contact the Xplornet Customer Care Centre at
1-866-841-6001.
Project funding and partner selection
The broadband project in Frontenac County is supported by the
Government of Ontario's $30 million Rural Connections Broadband
Program, which was designed to reduce broadband infrastructure gaps
in underserved rural regions in southern Ontario. The program, led
and administered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and
Rural Affairs, awarded Frontenac County up to $789,078 in
government funding, the full amount requested in an application
filed on behalf of its municipalities in November 2008.
Barrett Xplore Inc. was chosen at the conclusion of a rigorous,
technology neutral, competitive bidding process to be the vendor of
choice to construct, own and operate a fixed wireless network to
provide additional high-speed Internet coverage. The company plans
to invest approximately $5 million in Frontenac County over the
next five years.
About Barrett Xplore
Headquartered in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Barrett Xplore Inc.
operates Xplornet Internet Services, Canada's largest rural
broadband provider, with customers and dealers in every province
and territory. Barrett Xplore Inc. aims to bridge the urban/rural
digital divide by ensuring that every Canadian, regardless of where
they live, has access to broadband, thereby enabling them to
compete effectively in the global economy and gain access essential
government and educational services.
1Acutal speed online may vary with your technical
configuration, Internet traffic, server or other factors. When
compared to a standard dial-up modem speed of 40 kbps.
2$29.99 per month refers to the fixed wireless Zip
package. 3$44.99 per month refers to the fixed wireless
Zoom package. 4$49.99 per month refers to the satellite
KaZam package.