Wahnapitae First Nation Broadband Improvement
On Jan 21st, 2021 it was announced that Spectrum Telecom Group (NetSpectrum) would be installing fibre optic cabling in Wahnapitae First Nation improving internet speeds in the community. At this point, the coverage depicted on the map is the portion of the backbone network that has been supported by the Government of Canada’s Universal Broadband Fund.
The project is now complete and if you would like to inquire about service, please contact NetSpectrum directly.
Website: https://netspectrum.ca/en/contact-us/
Toll Free:1-800-461-6379
Please contact NetSpectrum for more information on availability in your area: https://netspectrum.ca/en/contact-us/.
In the map below the estimated footprint of the fibre is shown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Involved?
Blue Sky Net, a not-for-profit Information Communication Technology Network advocates for broadband improvements throughout the North. Blue Sky Net created a gap study using GIS maps of broadband coverage as well as user submitted speed tests and applied for Universal Broadband Funding for this project. The project was approved and Blue Sky Net will receive $270,000 from the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. Blue Sky Net is responsible for oversight relating to these funding requirements.
NETSPECTRUM was established in 2006 as the child company of Spectrum Telecom Group Ltd. The company has been a provider of terrestrial wireless internet solutions to numerous rural communities in Northern Ontario and have grown their infrastructure to over 130 towers and fibre assets throughout the region. Spectrum Telecom Group is contributing over $97,000 and will build and ultimately own the new fibre service as additional pieces of infrastructure that will connect to their current network. Customers will purchase service through the ISP, NETSPECTRUM Internet Solutions. It is possible that other ISPs will resell the service as well.
How will this work?
Once the fibre network is built, interested individuals should contact NETSPECTRUM directly for service requests. If you are within the coverage area, technicians will schedule a time to install the equipment used to connect. If it is determined that a customer is not within the covered area, should they choose, their information including location will be collected in a database to populate a list of likely locations to expand coverage in subsequent phases.
What happens if I live in Wahnapitae First Nation, but I think I’m outside of the proposed Fibre route?
Fibre networks have to be built strategically. Fibre routes must start at a Point of Presence (PoP) with enough bandwidth to serve the area or community. From the PoP the fibre is built out to service as many customers as possible on the most efficient route. The fibre product being used for this build can be spliced or connected to, in order to expand strategically, when and where there is a demand. Even if the map depicts that you live in an area uncovered by this project, people interested in the new service are encouraged to fill out the form below to demonstrate their interest or contact Netspectrum directly.