Residents in the Shortts Lake and Surrounding Area of Colchester County Have a High-Speed Internet Option
Shortts Lake area residents frustrated with slow internet speeds, or no internet service at all, have a new option. The venture is a partnership between the non-profit organization @NS and private enterprise NCS Network. The erection of a 30 metre tower at a site on Shortts Lake West Road in January of this year was a major stepping stone for the project. The completion of the necessary connections came in March, followed by testing to ensure expected speeds were reached.
“We can hit minimum speeds of 15 megabits per second (Mbps). In some cases, it can be even higher,” said Emerich Winkler of NCS Network. “This exceeds what many people in the area were able to access. For some, it provides access where there was previously no option at all.”
The original intent was to service up to 300 homes along a 13 kilometre stretch in the Shortts Lake area. However, testing indicates more homes in the area are able to be connected depending on where they are located.
For @NS, formerly the Nova Scotia Community Access Program (NSC@P), this is an entirely new endeavour. President Charlotte Janes says, despite that, the group felt providing better access to high-speed internet fell within its mandate.
“Our purpose is to enhance and empower individuals and communities in Nova Scotia through access to technology,” said Janes. “This was usually in the form of providing access to, and training on, the internet, computers and others forms of technology at community access sites throughout the province. However, getting involved in high speed internet access in unserved or under-served areas seems like a natural fit. We’re pleased with the outcome and may look to reproduce the project in other areas in the future.”
Money for necessary equipment was provided by a grant through the Province of Nova Scotia’s Municipal and Community Rural High Speed Internet Funding, administered by the Nova Scotia Department of Business.
Those seeking more information on getting connected can call 877-473-3660 or visit www.novascotiahighspeedinternet.com.