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ADnet Projects

Updated 05 Jul 10

ADnet has divided the area of Algoma into four main regions for the purpose of project development.  These areas are:
a.    North Algoma
b.    Central Algoma
c.    East Algoma
d.    West Sault

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ADnet  is constantly reviewing the ICT status  in each region with the stakeholders, the funding agencies and the private sector vendors to keep up-to-date  on ICT in the regions. There are active ADnet projects at various stages of development and implementation in each of the areas.

North Algoma (includes North Sault)

The major active project in this region is the Hwy 17 corridor cellular and broadband project. TBayTel, who call the undertaking the Regional In-fill or RIF, is implementing the project. It covers the Hwy 27 corridor from Thunder Bay  to Heyden which includes the North Sault sub-project. This project is due for completion in December 2010.

A second project called the North Algoma Cellular and Broadband Gap Filler for areas along Hwy 631 and Hwy 101 did not receive project development funding from FedNor. ADnet placed this project in abeyance due to this lack of funding but is prepared to re-open it if funding becomes available.

Central Algoma

There are two cellular and broadband projects active in other regions that have a direct impact on Central Algoma

a.     The North Sault area covering the Unorganized Townships along the Hwy 17 corridor from the city to the Montreal River is part of the TBayTel RIF project; see North Algoma area above;  and

b.    The Echo Bay area covering parts of Macdonald, Meredith, Aberdeen Additional and Aberdeen Townships along the Hwy 638 corridor is part of the East Algoma project. The standalone broadband portions of this project is on hold due to the Broadband Canada and Bell Deferral Account activities. The cellular portion is continuing.

East Algoma

ADnet and NetCentral are working together on this project. The original East Algoma Project aimed  to improve cellular and broadband coverage along the Hwy 638 corridor, all the townships on St. Joseph Island, the Basswood Lake/Hwy 129 area and the Serpent River vicinity.  When the Broadband Canada and Deferral Account announcements effectively froze broadband funding applications, the project scope was adjusted to a allow it to proceed as a cellular project. The project proposed to the funding agency is based on 3G HSPA technology which will allow broadband as well as voice connectivity. This project is awaiting confirmation of funding.

South Algoma/West Sault (SAWS) (Project on hold due to Broadband Canada program)

ADnet expanded the West Sault project  to include areas of the East Algoma region not addressed in the responses received to the original  RFP for that area.  To differentiate between the established East Algoma project and the new project, ADnet designated the new project South Algoma/West Sault or SAWS.

The previous West Sault project covered the area west from Town Line to Gros Cap, Prince Township, Denis Township (Red Rock), Nokomis Beach/Sunnyside, the airport area and the ‘Points’ area south of the airport.

This project is also on hold due to the Broadband Canada and Deferral Account activities. ADnet is prepared  to re-activate this project if there is still a need after the Broadband Canada and Deferral Account  activities are complete and funds become available. Additional information about the SAWS project is available at this link.

Cockburn Island Township

ADnet has been assisting Cockburn Island Township (CIT) on an informally basis over the past 3 years with their efforts to regain the cellular telephone coverage to the Island that was lost with the conversion from analogue  to digital technology. In the spring of 2009, ADnet assisted CIT with a successful application to the Build Canada Fund - Community Component (BCF-CC).

ADnet also assisted CIT in the preparation of a funding application for LAMBAC CDFC and NOHFC for addition project funding.

In fall of 2009, CIT received application approval from LAMBAC and Stage One approval from NOHFC .

In Jan 2010, CIT received oral approval that the BCF-CC funds had been approved. CIT conducted a RFP based procurement process in the spring of 2010 and selected Quattra SCS of Sault Ste. Marie to construct a 100 foot self-supporting tower and install cellular repeating equipment.