Residents of Iron Bridge gain access to High Speed Internet

September 23, 2020
Some good news for residents of Iron Bridge. If you are a resident of Iron Bridge, then you could receive free installation of better-quality internet. In June 2020, the Centre of Excellence for Next Generation Networks (CENGN) announced that the Huron Shores community of Iron Bridge was the recipient community for the Northern Ontario Residential Broadband Project # 2. This project launched an innovative broadband solution that brings high performance broadband access, while providing a model for low-cost expansion to other communities across the province. 
 
The technology provider, Leepfrog Telecom, implemented a solution that uses a combination of WIFI and new Television White Space (TVWS) technology, bringing speeds of 50/10 and up to 150/15 using various technologies to residents of Iron Bridge. 

During the recent installation, Leepfrog Telecom conducted performance tests which revealed internet speeds that exceeded 50/10 Mbps depending on the distance from the tower. 

If you are a resident of Iron Bridge, Leepfrog Telecom is offering free installation to the first 100 residents to sign up. Please contact Leepfrog Telecom to obtain details of the various packages available for high speed internet.

With the COVID-19 Pandemic and the increased reliance on broadband connectivity, this technology offers residents improved capability for remote working, online education, and healthcare. This capability will also enable businesses in the region with improved connectivity and digital transformation.  

Under the Next Generation Network Program (NGNP), CENGN funds innovative projects across Northern Ontario that demonstrate technology solutions that offer flexible, lower cost, higher performance residential broadband access for Northern Ontario communities. These live technology projects are designed to drive new innovative technologies and validate business case solutions to improve high-speed internet access to residences within Northern Ontario communities

This exciting project is an excellent Proof of Concept to deliver much needed broadband services to underserved communities in the Algoma region. This technology solution services as a Proof of Concept that other communities across Algoma with similar terrain could leverage. The Proof of Concept not only provides us with a technology solution, but experience with the implementation (an impressive 3-month implementation timeline), the challenges and the solutions to overcome those challenges are now known. We also have some estimated costs that can be shared with any other municipalities in the Algoma region who may be considering this technology solution. 

If you would like more information on this project or other broadband initiatives across the Algoma region, please contact Susan George, ICT Sector Lead at the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre at sgeorge@ssmic.com


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Northern Ontario Value-Added Agriculture (NOVA) Program Launches

October 11, 2024
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) has launched the Northern Ontario Value-Added Agriculture (NOVA) Program to empower agri-food entrepreneurs across Northern Ontario to develop new food products. By offering workshops, training sessions, networking events, and a mentorship program, NOVA aims to equip Northern entrepreneurs with the essential skills and knowledge needed for long-term business growth and sustainability. Supported by $42,080 in funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, NOVA will address the critical need for professional development in the agri-food sector. It focuses on enhancing entrepreneurial skills, improving safety and risk management practices, and providing strategies to expand market presence at home and abroad. “The agri-food promise and potential of Northern Ontario is immense, and our government will continue to work with Northern partners like the SSMIC to help seize it,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “NOVA will help unlock more of the huge untapped entrepreneurial energy and ambition of Northern agri-food entrepreneurs to build strong local businesses, create good-paying jobs and strengthen Northern Ontario’s economy.” Program goals include strengthened business capabilities, job creation, and increased economic activity, leading to a more vibrant and sustainable agri-food sector in Northern Ontario. By fostering public engagement with agriculture and local food, NOVA will also contribute to rural development and enhanced community well-being. "Through the NOVA Program, we are excited to provide agri-food entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to thrive," said Peter Bruijns, Executive Director of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre. "This initiative not only supports individual businesses but also strengthens our entire region's agricultural ecosystem." For more information visit: https://rainalgoma.ca/programs/the-northern-ontario-value-added-agriculture-nova-training-program/ SSMIC would also like to thank FedNor the Government of Canada, and the Sault Ste Marie Community Development Corporation for their support in this exciting program. 

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