Bracebridge, Ontario: On May 27, 2021, Lakeland Networks was awarded $701,055 in Universal Broadband Funding (UBF) for a High-Speed Internet build on Wasauksing First Nation land. The total project of $785,250 includes Lakeland Networks’ contribution of $84,195. Project Wasauksing First Nation will bring high-speed Internet to approximately 159 underserved households and businesses on Wasausking First Nation land. This was announced May 26, 2021 by the Honourable Maryam Monsef, federal Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development
Today’s climate has people working from home, being educated virtually, and increased dependence on quality internet for communication with family and friends. Access to reliable high-speed internet is paramount in rural Canada. With the Government of Canada’s Universal Broadband Fund’s (UBF) Rapid Response Stream immediate action is being taken to connect Canadians with quality high-speed Internet, which was once only considered only available in urban areas.
Dave Keith, Director of Business Development and Operations at Lakeland Networks said “Our entire team is extremely grateful and thrilled for this opportunity to connect more people in rural areas where there is a lack of quality high speed internet. “
Without UBF funding, the rural density of areas like this would impede the installation of best in technology broadband, a scalable fibre platform and service. Over the past year the need for quality internet has been highlighted in rural areas, having an extreme effect on people’s daily lives and community economic growth. The impact of fibre to the home and business is enormous for those living and working in this area.
“Lakeland Networks is pleased to work in partnership with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to continue expanding our fibre-optic network throughout Wasauksing First Nation, providing high-speed broadband service to 159 homes. This investment will help provide access to reliable high-speed Internet at a time when connectivity is essential to good quality of life. Lakeland Networks is proud to continue achieving our goal of helping more Canadians get connected with the timely contribution from the federal government” stated Margaret Maw, Chief Financial Officer, Lakeland Holding Ltd.
For further information, contact:
Dave Keith
Director of Business Development & Operations
Lakeland Networks
dkeith@lakelandnetworks.com
705.646.1846 x507
About Lakeland Networks
Lakeland Energy’s retail arm Lakeland Networks provides internet services to more than 6,300 customers. Fibre optic and wireless internet service is provided in communities, from South River south to Orillia, east to Lindsay and Fenelon Falls, as well as service to Wasauksing First Nation and additionally Parry Sound. Lakeland Networks is the largest and most diverse locally owned and based communications provider in the District of Parry Sound & Muskoka. Lakeland Energy is a subsidiary of Lakeland Holding Ltd. wholly owned by the municipalities of Bracebridge, Huntsville, Parry Sound, Burk’s Falls, Sundridge and Magnetawan.
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