Barrett Xplore Inc. (BXI), through its Xplornet brand, is
pleased to announce that the expansion of high-speed Internet
access in rural areas across Northumberland County is progressing
successfully and on schedule.
Seven of the ten new fixed wireless towers specified in the
project plan are currently broadcasting, with one additional tower
expected to be broadcasting by the end of November, one more before
the end of the year, and the final tower early in 2010. These
enhancements are in addition to four pre-existing sites. The
newly built towers will bring the total number of towers to 14 in
Northumberland County.
"This broadband project plays an important role in supporting
the long-term sustainability of Northumberland County, so we are
very pleased that it is moving ahead 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 to finalize network designs and secure the necessary approvals
and permits. We look forward to completing our project and offering
our affordable high-speed Internet services across the County."
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
Northumberland 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 |
Back to Top |
- 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 (Actual speed online may vary with your choice of
package, technical configuration, Internet traffic, server or other
factors. When compared to a standard dial-up modem speed of 40
kbps.)
- 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
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.
Rural Connections is led and administered by the Ontario
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) in
partnership with the Ministries of Government Services (MGS) and
Small Business and Consumer Services (MSBCS). Northumberland County
will receive up to $976,883 in funding from OMAFRA.
BXI 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 which will
provide the additional coverage. The contract between BXI and
Northumberland County is presently being finalized. Over the first
5 years of the project, BXI plans to invest approximately $5.5
million in Northumberland County.
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.