Rural Miramichi High Speed Expansion

To: High Speed Internet Providers



To: Mr. John McKay, Mayor, City of Miramichi

Hon. Carmel Robichaud, MLA, Miramichi Bay-Neguac Electoral District 10

Hon. Charles Hubbard, MP, Miramichi Riding



In November 2003 an agreement was signed between the Federal Government, the New Brunswick Provincial Government and Aliant to provide Aliant with a $44.6 million grant to bring high-speed (broadband) Internet access to 327 Communities in New Brunswick. These funds were meant to cover the costs of providing broadband Internet connectivity for small and/or remote communities in the province. The project was completed in July 2006, providing high speed coverage to 90\% of the province, but as yet no further plans have been put in place for the remainder.



Aliant's proposal for providing service to these remaining customers was to offer satellite Internet access. This costs twice as much as standard broadband access, while offering only one third as much speed. It also requires a rather large startup cost for a satellite dish ($900, which Aliant will finance over 36 months).



Many people in rural New Brunswick have no other alternative for broadband Internet access. Rogers Communications, Aliants largest competitor in this field, have no plans to extend their coverage to many of the currently unserviced areas of north-eastern New Brunswick.



The unavailability of high-speed Internet access is not acceptable to 21st century New Brunswick families or businesses.



This petition is to urge Aliant, Rogers and/or other high-speed Internet service providers to extend their high-speed Internet services to all remaining areas of New Brunswick.



The economy of the Miramichi region, in particular, is evolving. Even as the area faces mill closures, technology-based businesses are choosing to locate here, with intentions of long-term commitments and future expansion. Providing high-speed access to a wider area is crucial to the regions continued economic development. We therefore also urge the Council of the City of Miramichi and Industry Canada to encourage and work with Internet service providers to accomplish this goal.