Say goodbye to dialup!

NEWS RELEASE

TONY MARTIN, MP

************************* Martin applauds breakthrough in district high-speed Internet SAULT STE. MARIE – Rural internet users in Algoma are poised to say goodbye to slow dialup or inconsistent satellite-based service as new cell towers are built in Desbarats and north of the city. Many in the district will have access to the new Bell high speed cellular internet service, a development applauded by Sault MP Tony Martin who has championed this issue for years. “There have been many meetings over the years since my election working with the various interests, certainly Bell, government and local advocates and I am happy to see this day finally come,” said Martin. “Some had no service or slow service so high speed will be very good for district small businesses and personal use. I congratulate Adnet, Wilf Lefresne, Marko Koskenoja at Northland Consultants and all who made this possible.” Martin encourages district residents to contact Bell to learn about start-up and monthly costs.

Most rural users will require an external antenna kit for maximum signal strength for both internet and voice services.

The antenna kits start at $199 and $150 for installation if required.

The antenna kits also work with the Rogers Rocket Hub service.

Once the technology is in place, local advocates report the cost will be comparable to previous telephone and internet expenses. The Desbarats tower is already built.

Tbaytel should have similar service up and running by June 2011 although there could be reception pocket challenges due to the hillier terrain. This high speed development is due in part to the recent Canadian Radio and Television Commission (CRTC) decision on deferral accounts, and Bell and Tbaytel moving forward on wireless service and new technology.

CRTC directed Bell Canada, Bell Aliant, Telus and MTS Allstream to rebate $310.8 million of $770 million for their urban home telephone customers.

The CRTC has also approved using about $422 million of money in the funds to deploy broadband Internet service to 287 rural and remote communities by 2014. *************************