- January 2023 Connectivity Ad Hoc Committee Report to Council
- November 2022 Connectivity Ad Hoc Committee Report to Council
- October 2022 Connectivity Ad Hoc Committee Report to Council
- September 2022 2022 Connectivity Ad Hoc Committee Report to Council
Internet Service Provider (ISP) Connectivity Wireless Infrastructure
See map of operating wireless ISPs in our area (current activities listed below).
Ongoing ISP Connectivity Initiatives
Vianet
- New 250’ tower in Pointe au Baril offering fixed wireless.
- A letter was sent to Vianet expressing a desire to leverage current infrastructure investments and expand Vianet’s service coverage throughout the township – North and South. A copy of the letter can be viewed here.
- ToA Representatives have invited Vianet to review the Township of The Archipelago to see service market and infrastructure assets to potentially utilize. An in-person tour is being planned out for September.
Bell
- Bell proposal for Kapikog Lake Tower W771 reportedly in project build queue for fall of 2022.
- Cited as ISP in AHSIP funding announcement attributed to enhancing internet within The Archipelago.
- Observed enhancing backhaul networks to improve/broaden network capabilities.
- ToA Representatives held discussions with senior management at Bell Networks. Bell representatives invited to tour township and identify service needs for underserved areas.
Lakeside Wireless
- Operating fixed wireless services in the southern portion – Healey Lake – of the township.
Rogers
- New services offered in Pointe au Baril – land access.
Other ISP News/Announcements
Starlink
- FCC Cancels $886 Million in Funding for SpaceX's Starlink | PCMag
Telesat
- Might be a part of the connectivity solution for remote communities in Ontario.
- Letter to Minister Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure| Infrastructure Ontario's Accelerated High Speed Internet Program | July 2022
- Township of The Archipelago Spring 2022 Connectivity Update
- Provincial Government Connectivity Initiatives
- Starlink High-Speed, Low-Latency Broadband Internet
- Bell Kapikog Tower Proposal | February 2022
- Pointe au Baril Tower Project Update | June 2021
- Pointe au Baril Tower Fact Sheet | June 2021
- Vianet Pointe au Baril Project Overview | June 2021
- TOA Broadband Initiative Guiding Principles | May 2021
- The Archipelago Express Newsletter - Connectivity Update | May 2021
Internet 101 - Definitions and Terminology
INTERNET is simply the product individuals want to subscribe to and use while CONNECTIVITY refers to the way people are hooked up to the Internet, and may include dial-up telephone lines, cable, always-on broadband connections, Satellite, Hotspots and Wireless.
When determining which type of Internet connection is right for you or your family, it's important to understand the distinction between each connection. In today's age, there are numerous ways to connect laptops, desktops, mobile phones, gaming consoles, e-readers and tablets to the Internet. Some of the most widely used Internet connections are described below.
Hotspots are sites that offer Internet access over a wireless local area network (WLAN) by way of a router that then connects to an Internet service provider. Hotspots utilize Wi-Fi technology, which allows electronic devices to connect to the Internet or exchange data wirelessly through radio waves. Hotspots can be phone-based or free-standing, commercial or free to the public.
This high-speed Internet connection is provided through either cable or telephone companies. One of the fastest options available, broadband Internet uses multiple data channels to send large quantities of information. The term broadband is shorthand for broad bandwidth. Broadband Internet connections such as DSL and cable are considered high-bandwidth connections. Although many DSL connections can be considered broadband, not all broadband connections are DSL.
An ISP is a company that provides Internet connections and services to individuals and organizations. In addition to providing access to the Internet, ISPs may also provide software packages (such as browsers), e-mail accounts, and a personal Web site or home page.
Council's Activities
Projects/Interests
Connectivity Goal
PLAN for Building Connectivity
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Actually, very little of our Township has access to internet service and speed that the CRTC has targeted for all Canadians. Read about the Digital Divide here .
Click here to see internet coverage mapping for the West Parry Sound region