High-speed Internet update
April 11, 2007
It was a dark and stormy night and satellite internet users throughout Strathcona County were once again without high-speed service. To many residents the only option for high speed service is satellite. The terrain of the county often restricts line of sight options and cable is available only in Sherwood Park, Ardrossan and a limited corridor between the two centers. In response to the many calls Council has received, a committee is being established to identify the gaps and bring recommendations to Council for consideration to deal with those gaps. Currently the terms of reference are being drawn up and members of the public interested in sitting on the committee will be asked to apply to the Boards and Committees Selection Committee. Kelly Rudyk will be the administrative representative and he can be reached at 464-8089. Also, watch for further details through newspaper advertising in May.
In the past few months, approval has been given for a new tower in the Uncas area another tower application is in circulation and a current County tower in Hunter Heights will be upgraded to allow for private internet service providers to rent space and provide high speed access to some of our residents.
When approval is given for tower development in our community, the company receiving the approval must sign an agreement stating that others may access the tower however we as a municipality cannot dictate what that rental fee will be unless the tower is owned by Strathcona County.
At a recent meeting I was asked to provide a brief outline of what some of the expected costs would be for rural high speed service as it is substantially higher than regular cable access. For wireless service, the monthly fee can often be quite comparable to high speed fibre optic charges however a receiver must also be purchased and often a height extender and equipment for wireless use in your home. There are of course installation charges as well. Satellite service is even more costly with significantly higher monthly fees and upfront costs. Even if line of sight wireless is available in your area you should be aware that it will be more costly in the rural area.
partments/Communications/Web+Services/Rural+high+speed+Internet.htm">Contact information for companies doing business in Strathcona
I look forward to the establishment of the new committee.
Jacquie Fenske
Councillor. Ward 5
780-464-8147
fenske@strathcona.ab.ca.
Last updated: Thursday, March 25, 2010
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