CBBC, Columbia Basin Broadband plans feasibility study
A high-speed fiber optic network is under planning and study by CBBC (Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation) in Rossland. Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Basin Trust is studying the option to bring better high-speed connectivity to the Basin. To do so, it continues to improve and expand its regional network. Until now, communities have had to develop their own local networks, which would then be connected to Columbia Basin Broadband. While a handful of communities have had the capacity to complete this work, others have run into issues, from lack of funding to lack of technical expertise.
Rossland is a city in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia, Canada. This project in Rossland is an example of how Columbia Basin Broadband is evolving in response to the needs of communities, commented Neil Muth, Columbia Basin Trust president, and CEO. Columbia Basin Broadband plans to develop, fund and own the local network in Rossland. They will use this study to decide whether this is a viable option for them to undertake in other basin communities.
Rossland was selected in part because it has a dedicated task force of citizens and municipal government that has been working with Columbia Basin Broadband for over two years to bring broadband into the community and exploring a project that would entail connecting business and municipal facilities.
Like other smaller communities, Rossland has struggled to contribute to building this infrastructure. Fiber optic networks can bring value and drive economic development by attracting new residents and businesses. At the same time, it allows existing businesses to do more with new and faster internet services.
Initially, the focus will be on delivering broadband to businesses. Residential services may follow later down the road. Columbia Basin Broadband would build and own the fiber optic network infrastructure and then invite internet service providers to operate on the network. Over the next few months, the company will complete key projects. The installation costs were going to be around $185,000. This way, they will install, own and operate, and the city will just be a customer.
Post a Comment