Satellite Internet to be upgraded

The reliability and stability of satellite Internet will be improved in northern Ontario thanks to nearly $1 million in federal funding.
Kenora MP Greg Rickford announced $929,000 in funding Oct. 15 for Keewaytinook Okimakanak to improve its satellite-based broadband infrastructure, which 14 First Nations , including Deer Lake, Fort Severn and Poplar Hill, presently use.
“We are excited about the possibilities that these upgrades will afford our communities,” said Geordi Kakepetum, executive director of Keewaytinook Okimakanak.
“Not only will this funding help address some of the challenges of geographic isolation, it will also support local business development and growth.”
By improving the network, enhanced services can be expected such as videoconferencing, telemedicine, mobile phone and distance education capabilities, Rickford explained.