Community fibre optic service proposed

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/08/2017 (2943 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Grosse Isle resident Greg Johnson wants to turn a trickle of internet connectivity into what he calls Niagara Falls – a much larger flow of data with no cap.

Johnson and wife Deanna spoke to the Rosser council at its Aug. 8 meeting about the concept of a community-owned and operated data network. It would consist of fibre optic cables connecting homes and business in the villages of Rosser, Grosse Isle, Marquette and Meadows. The network would receive service from radio towers throughout the municipality providing full coverage for everyone who subscribes.

“I’m here to plant the seed of an idea,” Johnson told council.

The Johnsons moved to Grosse Isle from Winnipeg three years ago to enjoy a rural lifestyle and be closer to Deanna’s parents. However they weren’t aware of the poor internet service that they and other Grosse Isle residents receive.

“More and more of our lives are conducted online,” Johnson said. As a teacher, he’s aware of the need for students to be able to work on homework using online resources. The couple’s three children also go online for entertainment. The family often runs up larger internet bills because they exceed their data package.

Johnson said he’s checked with his service provider and also other companies that offer internet service in rural Manitoba. “Our options are limited. I don’t think that any of the companies would make the investment needed to provide a fibre optic network in our area.”

He pointed out that according to the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission, internet access is an essential service within Canada and the goal is to have a minimum of 50 megabytes of download speed with no data cap. The current service he’s being offered is just 10 megabytes with a 100 gigabyte monthly cap for over $90.

Johnson’s presentation refers to a project nearing completion in western Manitoba. The Park West Fibre Cooperative includes municipalities of Hamiota, Prairie View and Yellowhead and is set to start serving residential and business subscribers in October. Residential subscribers will pay about $60 and business subscribers will pay about $75 month for 1,000 megabytes with no monthly cap. Subscribers located in rural areas will receive fast wireless service of up to 300 megabytes with no monthly data cap.

The three municipalities paid for a feasibility study and obtained a $3.5 million loan to be paid back over 20 years through subscriber fees.

Johnson said that benefits of offering improved internet service through this type of cooperative include the ability to attract businesses that depend on speedy and reliable internet access, having money paid for internet service stay within the municipality, and improving the lives of current and future residents.

Councillor Scott Corbett said he would like to find out more about how the Park West Fibre Cooperative is being funded.

Reeve Frances Smee said there is no money available in the current year’s budget for a feasibility study.

Johnson told The Headliner that he plans on continuing his campaign for improved internet service and welcomes questions at gregrjohnson@gmail.com

Facebook.com/TheHeadlinerWPG
Twitter: @CanstarHeadline