There are efforts to improve broadband service in the Rainy River district.
One project involves Bell, Grand Council Treaty 3 and the Rainy River Future Development Corporation.
Executive Director Geoff Gillon says Bell is now making an application for government funding for what is a multi-million dollar initiative.
“To send applications to the ICON (Improving Connectivity for Ontario program) and the Universal Broadband Fund that was announced in early December, to secure funding for broadband for 10-up, 50-down for area First Nations in Treaty 3 and adjacent non-indigenous communities,” says Gillon.
Gillon says Bell is expected to submit the application within the next couple of weeks.
“Bell is feverishly working on the whole costing and build-out,” says Gillon.
It’s not certain when the government will announce the successful applicants.
Gillon is now seeking letters of support from area municipalities to help Bell secure the funding.
There are other projects taking place to improve the district’s Internet connectivity.
Bell is bringing fibre into six Indigenous communities within the Rainy River District.
Tbaytel is upgrading its towers in the west end of the district to support wireless broadband in Barwick, Burris, Berglund, Crozier and Pinewood.
