By BCN

Over the next six weeks BCN will be undergoing technology enhancements to its satellite network.    The upgrades include increasing the amount of satellite transponder space which will double satellite capacity - increasing bandwidth to all satellite communities.  Along with the purchase of additional transponder space, BCN will also be upgrading community infrastructure.  The Newtec Elevation Series EL470 is a state-of-the-art satellite modem designed for the transmission and reception of IP streams over satellite at rates of up to 133 Mbit/s.  The new equipment is more reliable and it allows BCN to connect more customers utilizing a higher bandwidth rate in order  to meet increasing demand for services. 

These upgrades were made possible due to the ongoing commitment and generous contributions of several partners.  In 2007, Keewaytinook Okimakanak (K-NET), the Kativik Regional Government (KRG) and Keewatin Tribal Council (KTC) formed a partnership and launched the Northern Indigenous Community Satellite Network (NICSN).  The partnership was forged to serve the needs and priorities of communities requiring broadband satellite in Northern Quebec , Ontario and Manitoba.  Canada’s Government contributed $21 million through the National Satellite Initiative (NSI), a project launched by Industry Canada in partnership with Infrastructure Canada, and the Canadian Space Agency. NSI was created to make available affordable satellite capacity for the deployment of broadband services to communities in the far to mid-north, and in isolated and remote areas of Canada, where satellite technology is the only practical solution.  Another 13.5 million was further contributed from the Northern Ontario Heritage fund,  Government of Québec’s Villages branchés program  and Telesat Canada.

As a result, the dedication of these partners  have made it possible for BCN to improve its satellite technology for the benefit of Manitoban communities.  These upgrades reinforce BCN’s mandate of providing  Internet access and broadband services for Manitobans living in northern, and remote communities, which enable the delivery of  critical services such as tele-health, tele-education, e-commerce, etc.