Barrett Xplore, a Canadian rural broadband provider that operates the Xplornet Internet Services, asserted that it has activated the 4G WiMAX (News - Alert) high-speed internet coverage in the regions of Prescott and Russell.
The company claimed that it was the first Canadian provider to build a national network over its hybrid terrestrial and satellite network. The network can offer speeds up to 40 Mbps and there are plans in motion to take that capacity to over 100 Mbps by next year. Customers will now get to enjoy three to 10 times more bandwidth than today's 3G HSPA-enabled packages and the terrestrial wireless technology will supposedly complement the two new 4G High-Throughput Satellites (HTS) the company is going to deploy – Viasat-1 will be launched in 2011 followed by Jupiter in early 2012.
The activation of a high speed 4G network is the result of collaboration between Barrett Xplore and United Counties of Prescott and Russell, a regional government that manages programs and offers services to its 83,000 residents. The collaboration was supported by OMAFRA's Rural Connections program.
The company claimed that 4G means the goal of bringing fast, robust, affordable broadband to all Canadians, regardless of location will be achieved in the very near future. The potential impact of rural broadband can't be overstated. From telecommuting, to new business in rural areas, to distance health and education, rural broadband can change the face of Canada.
Barrett Vice President Bob Davie stated that they are proud to be working with the United Counties of Prescott and Russell to activate their first 4G broadband coverage to Ontario and, specifically, to be bringing it on-time and on-budget to the Prescott and Russell region. Area residents and businesses can now take full advantage of all the Internet has to offer, including engaging in advanced business, educational and training opportunities not possible through slower dial-up connections, and with data allowances that allow customers to take advantage of these services without incurring expensive overage charges.