The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the way we live, work, and do business. More now than ever, Canadians across the country need reliable, high-speed internet to access services, support, and opportunities. Through the Universal Broadband Fund’s (UBF) Rapid Response Stream, the Government of Canada is taking action to get people living in rural and remote communities connected to high-speed internet.
On April 22, 2022, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, announced over $1 million in funding to bring high-speed internet to 625 households in the area just south of St. George’s Bay, the southernmost point on the west coast of Newfoundland.
Nearly $800,000 of that amount has been allocated to the Burgeo Broadcasting System (BBS), a locally-owned cable and internet service provider that has operated for over 40 years on Newfoundland’s southwest coast. The communities of Northern Arm, Phillips Head, Point of Bay, Codroy, Loch Lomond, Grey River, François, McDougalls, South Branch, St. Andrew’s, Tompkins, Upper Ferry, North Branch, Woodville, Searston, Shoal Point (Cape Anguille), Coal Brook, and The Block will all benefit from this initiative.
QUOTES:
Jorge Fragoso – VP of Sales & Marketing for Axsera Inc. stated “We are very happy to be part of this wireless network deployment. Axsera and the Burgeo Broadcasting Team have worked long hours to put together this proposal and we believe that the population of all these communities will benefit from this new, faster high-speed internet service.
The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development – This investment will bring reliable, high-speed internet access to 625 households in Newfoundland and Labrador, help create jobs, improve access to health care, provide opportunities for online learning services, and keep people connected.
David McDonald – Burgeo Broadcasting said, “We felt confident that the Canadian federal government would come through for all these communities providing a state-of-the-art high-speed wireless network”.
Dave also commented… “Axsera Inc. of Montreal proved to be a true partner in helping us out, from ISED documentation to detailed engineering & design, and selecting a cost-effective reliable technology.
BACKGROUND INFO:
The implementation of this new service represents new investments in infrastructure by the Government of Canada and is part of their plan to build strong communities by bringing high-speed internet to 98% of Canadians by 2026. Canada’s Connectivity Strategy aims to provide all Canadians with access to Internet speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download / 10 Mbps upload.
About Axsera Inc.: Axsera Inc. is a Canadian company headquartered in Montreal, Canada that offers its customers a wide range of technical services (field support to telecom operators, project management and field services to product manufacturers). Axsera’s management and engineering staff have extensive experience in the wireless telecommunication field. In further developing our relationships with existing wireless network operators, Axsera also offers repair and maintenance services.
About Burgeo Broadcasting System: The Burgeo Broadcasting System, or BBS, has been the cable service provider for the Burgeo area (Newfoundland and Labrador) since 1982. It also produces original TV content by offering 40 cable channels and internet service.