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Broadband service expands on Manitoulin

Cell and mobile broadband service, including high-speed internet service, has been expanded on Manitoulin Island. NetCentral Community Communications Network (NetCentral), the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp.
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Broadband service has been expanded across Manitoulin Island, including in Little Current (pictured). (FILE PHOTO)

Cell and mobile broadband service, including high-speed internet service, has been expanded on Manitoulin Island.

NetCentral Community Communications Network (NetCentral), the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. (NOHFC) and Rogers teamed up on a public-private investment to make it happen.

Seven new Rogers wireless cell sites are now in service, including south of Espanola on Highway 6, Little Current, Sheguiandah, Manitowaning and South Baymouth; Mindemoya (Highways 542 and 551); and on Highway 540 northwest of M’Chigeeng. The sites provide cellular and high-speed internet services via Rogers HSPA+ (High Speed Packet Access Plus) technology.

NetCentral is the not-for-profit, community-based information and communications technology (ICT) organization serving the areas of Greater Sudbury, Manitoulin Island, Sudbury East, West Nipissing, Elliot Lake, Chapleau and Parry Sound. NetCentral identifies gaps in cellular, mobile broadband and ICT services and works with the service providers to improve telecommunications services for Northerners.

To date, NetCentral has secured more than $33 million in communications infrastructure investments from the public and private sector in Northeastern Ontario.

“Cellular and wireless high-speed Internet enable Islanders, students, visitors and businesses to access online services and education programs and promote Manitoulin Island as a tourist destination,” Al MacNevin, mayor of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands, said in a release.

NetCentral has submitted funding applications to the NOHFC and FedNor to complete the expansion of cellular and long-term evolution (LTE) high-capacity wireless broadband services in Central and Western Manitoulin Island.

NetCentral has secured funding commitments from Rogers and Bell to construct four towers to service Highways 551, 542 and 540 and communities including Providence Bay, Evansville, Sheshegwaning First Nation, Zhiibaahaasing First Nation and Meldrum Bay.