Capital region pursues internet improvements

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This article was published 26/12/2018 (1941 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Fed up with slow, unreliable internet service despite their proximity to Winnipeg, a dozen capital region municipalities are pursuing a private sector partnership they hope will bring fibre optic connectivity to more residents.

The memorandum of understanding was signed Dec. 13 by the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region’s economic development corporation, JohnQ Public Inc., and two private internet service providers who cater to underserviced areas.

The non-binding agreement asks Virden-based RFNOW Inc. and Ontario’s WireIE to explore ways to expand fibre optic infrastructure in municipalities bordering Winnipeg.

The installation of a collectively owned fibre optic “ring” around Winnipeg was explored in a feasibility study, but Ritchot mayor Chris Ewen said solutions for each community will depend on existing infrastructure.

“There are opportunities of potentially sharing some sources that are already there,” he said.

No timeline or financial commitment is attached to the plan. A release noted the most “shovel-ready” municipalities could see construction begin as early as May.

Over the coming months, partners will finalize a business model and complete a design. Ewen said the project also hopes to tap into federal funding.

The agreement is the latest part of a broader push to improve broadband internet service across southern Manitoba.

The Town of Morris decided last year to enter into a public-private partnership with Winkler-based Valley Fiber Ltd. Over the next year, residents will be offered the chance to connect for free an expanding fibre optic network.

Both Morris council and capital region leaders decided it was too risky to pursue the formation of a municipal internet utility.

“At the end of the day, it’s just too much of a high risk financially, always having to upgrade the utility and the hardware,” Ewen said.

In Ritchot, the mayor said he hopes broadband “dead zones” around Ste Agathe, Grande Pointe, and Howden will disappear once the necessary infrastructure is in place.

“Look at the Ste Agathe business park, which has limited connectivity. It brings a little bit of concern to me if there is not an internet solution in the next few years.”

A regional approach has made the daunting task of improving broadband service in rural areas “a lot more attainable,” he added.

While Springfield hasn’t yet signed on to the project, Reeve Tiffany Fell said council will discuss that possibility later this month.