Connectivity Updates #2

Connectivity Updates #2

KLCOA has heard reports that Bell has declined to provide service for new(er) property owners on the lake because they say they have inadequate infrastructure; that seasonal users have had difficulties getting their Bell service reconnected in the Spring; and that some Bell customers in good standing have had their Digital Subscriber Line terminated and their ports re-assigned to other customers. We are writing to Bell to express our concerns about these issues and to encourage them to expand their infrastructure to meet customer demand in the Kennisis Lakes area. We would appreciate hearing from members that have had the above problems so that we can quantify the problem and provide specifics if Bell asks for it. If you have experienced any of the above issues – either with your (landline) telephone or your DSL (internet) service, please email KennisisConnectivity@yahoo.com with your name, lake address, phone # or email and a brief description of the specifics of your experience.

In July, we encouraged KLCOA members to write to the federal Minister for Rural Economic Development, Maryam Monsef, and others to ask them to support the “Gig Project” which would provide funding to bring one gig of connectivity to residences and businesses across Eastern Ontario, including Haliburton County and Kennisis Lake. Read more about this project and EORN here. If you have not already done so, we ask you to send a letter – a suggested draft is available here. We understand that while this project is gaining traction with the Ontario Cabinet, federal Minister Monsef needs to do more to “sell it” to her colleagues.

Haliburton County supported several proposals from Bell, Xplornet and others for Intake 1 of provincial “Improving Connectivity for Ontario” (ICON) funding in late August. While details are confidential, we are optimistic that at least one of these proposals will contain enhancements in connectivity for the Kennisis area. We are writing to provincial Infrastructure Minister Laurie Scott to urge her to support any proposals that would help the Kennisis area.

We understand that the Eastern Ontario Regional Network has received responses to its RFP to enhance cellular coverage to achieve 99% voice call coverage where people live, work or travel in the region. They are now in the evaluation stage of these proposals.

Attached are letters from KLCOA to Minister Scott re ICON funding and to Bell re current service.https://klcoa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/2020-09-02-Minister-Scott-ICON-Funding.pdf

https://klcoa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/2020-09-02-Bell-Service-2.pdf