High Speed Internet

When will we have high-speed internet access?

The MRC has been working on an application to the provincial government’s “Connected rural communities” program since last summer. After the elections, the council of mayors formed a special committee to advance the file.

The mayor, Lisette Maillé, sits on this committee.  In June, the committee received the report from a consulting firm on the deployment of micro-wave technology for the entire MRC. The expectation was that the solution proposed would be funded by a grant of 50 % of the cost from the government. However, the MRC is not eligible for the provincial grant because Barrett Explore received a grant from Industries Canada to deploy its satellite and WIMAX technology. The solution presented by the consultants is therefore no longer affordable.

It must also be said that the needs vary tremendously from one municipality to another and that some have found satisfactory solutions (extension of the cable network and wireless internet using an USB key). The municipality is currently studying a high-speed internet solution with other mayors from the western sector. Meanwhile, Barrett Explore is preparing to improve its offer of services for the entire MRC, including Austin, during 2011 and 2012.