Broadband for Rural Nova Scotia (BRNS) initiative

http://www.gov.ns.ca/econ/broadband/

What is BRNS initiative?

• Joint federal – provincial government initiative

• Public Private Partnership delivery model with three ISP partners

• Provide access to high speed to all unserved civic addresses in (mostly rural) Nova Scotia

• Total = approx. 80,000 addresses

• Due date, end of 2009

Served vs. Unserved

Defining Unserved• An “unserved” area is a

civic address at which residents and businesses are unable to obtain broadband connectivity at prices, level of service and quality of service levels comparable to urban areas.

Affordable rural broadband: a fixed wireless solution Three options: DSL, coax cable

and fixed-wireless Motorola “Canopy” fixed

wireless high speed chosen by all three ISPs

Unlicensed radio frequency Signals travel by radio signal -

wireless receiver attached to fixed location

Affordable, scaleable, cost-effective solution for Nova Scotia

Model now being proposed by federal government across Canada

A fixed wireless network A fixed wireless network delivers broadband services to a home or business

Building the Network: Key Steps

1. Pick best locations for signal transmission

2. Identify suitable tower or green-field site

3. Access land – find owner, lease/ purchase

4. Consult with public about tower

5. Get municipal permits

6. Line up materials & crew

7. …… then, build!

2007 – 2008: BRNS activities

• Tenders offered, three ISPs got contracts to deliver high speed in seven zones

• RF engineering and site identification undertaken across all zones

• By end 2008, construction was underway in all zones

• Limited light ups occurred in some zones.

2009: BRNS Activities

• Three ISPs working in 7 zones

• Network development underway in all zones:– RF engineering, land acquisition & permitting– Fixed wireless network construction

• ISP-owned tower construction• Co-locations on provincial/ privately owned

towers• Provincial TRMS tower construction

– Signal testing and customer light ups– Final mile solutions for ‘hard to reach’ customers

When will we have 100% high speed?

By the end of 2009

When exactly will I get high speed? That will depend on: Successful land acquisition Getting permits, approvals, meeting by-laws Public consultation processes Site accessibility - roads, power, may need off-grid sites Logistics - weather, length of build seasons, roads, etc. Availability of specialized resources

Liaison & Development Role Inform, consult with, and manage expectations of

key stakeholder groups Website, updates & correspondence Community and group briefings & presentations Support public consultation process in municipalities

Stimulate demand for broadband applications Help communities develop Internet Strategies Promote awareness through workshops, presentations,

media campaigns Promote e-Government and online services

Planning for a high speed future

• A four hour, facilitated, community-based workshop that: – identifies participant ‘hopes for high speed’ (the vision),

– builds a community profile (strengths),

– measures community competence in four areas – leadership,

collaboration, skills & learning, Internet applications

– Sets community goals and objectives to use high speed

access to achieve Community Economic Development (CED)

goals

Our plans for workshop:Planning for a high speed future?

• Roll out workshop and promote community engagement with high speed issues– Formal launch, March 2009

– Regionally-based facilitators trained to deliver the workshop

– Support for workshop delivery through rural CED networks

• Work to support ideas and innovation at community level– Develop and oversee pilot project to identify best way to

support communities

– Build coalitions, networks, support community-based efforts to leverage federal and other funding

– Target training needs identified by communities

To request a presentation for your organization, additional information, or a workshop in your area, contact:

Lorraine GlendenningCorporate Strategist, Liaison & DevelopmentBroadband for Rural Nova Scotia initiativeDept of Economic & Rural Development T: 902 424-0183 E: glendele@gov.ns.ca

Kathlene FarrellCommunity Liaison OfficerBroadband for Rural Nova ScotiaDept of Economic & Rural DevelopmentT: 902 424-8822 E: farrellk@gov.ns.cawww.gov.ns.ca/econ/broadband