[SatNews] OmniGlobe Networks Inc. is now delivering essential broadband services to residents and businesses located in the unserved and under- serviced communities across Manitoulin Island. This project, which is part of the Manitoulin Wireless Broadband initiative, was led in partnership with Blue Sky Economic Growth Corporation (“Blue Sky Net”) and the local municipalities with financial contribution from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, FedNor and OmniGlobe — the aim was to enhance the existing infrastructure and services and provide access to more than 80 percent of the District of Manitoulin Island.

OmniGlobe, which has successfully deployed several fixed wireless networks across the province, has completed the nine-tower build and extended the broadband coverage from Meldrum Bay to Wikwemikong. Communities located around Barrie Island, Evansville, Gore Bay, Kagawong, Manitowaning, Meldrum Bay, Sheguiandah, Sheshegwaning, Silver Water and Wikwemikong are now able to enjoy affordable and reliable high-speed Internet access and benefit from advanced applications such as Voice over IP (VoIP) and video-conferencing services. Additional towns and villages including Birch Island and White Fish River are also expected to be added to the network over the next few months. The broadband network, which is fully operational, has been designed to allow “open access” service and enables the local Internet Service Providers to offer the service to their existing customers. Residents will therefore have a choice of multiple providers, including OmniGlobe Broadband, OmniGlobe’s broadband division, Vianet Internet Solutions (“Vianet”) and MSD Computer Corporation (“MSD”).