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On
March 28, 2003 The Town of Harbour Breton submitted a proposal to
Industry Canada’s Broadband for Rural and Northern Development, Pilot
Project for funding to develop a business plan, identifying and securing
the necessary infrastructure to deliver broadband services to Harbour
Breton and the surrounding communities. On July 10, 2003 the successful
applicants were announced and the Town of Harbour Breton’s proposal was
among the 65 nation wide to receive approval and funding in the amount
of $30,000 (50% of the total cost). To further support this
project the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency has provided an
additional $15,000 to assist the area as we aim to improve our
information technology capabilities.
Currently no communities identified in the proposal have access to high
speed internet. The proposal submitted requires the Town to develop a
business plan to determine how to best develop and sustain broadband
infrastructure within the community and surrounding area.
This will require an analysis of the specific needs of the area and its
various stakeholder groups with respect to broadband connectivity. This
will ensure that initiatives are well matched with the educational,
health, social, and business needs of the area and will also ensure the
most efficient and effective use of resources. In addition, the Town is
required to develop a RFP targeting vendors capable of supplying the
necessary infrastructure to deliver broadband service to the area and
select and negotiate terms of the delivery with chosen vendor. To
do this the Town will be seeking the assistance of a consultant and have
issued a Call for Proposals on August 12,
2003. For more
information regarding the requirements of the business plan and RFP
please refer to the Industry Canada, Broadband website and view the
program guidelines
http://broadband.gc.ca and RFP Template.
As part of the process we will be seeking input from individuals,
businesses and institutions throughout the study area. The deadline for
completion of the Business Plan to Industry Canada is November 20, 2003
at which time it will be considered for implementation.
If you have any questions or would be interested in providing input to
our study please contact Baxter House at the Harbour Breton Town Office
at (709) 885-2885 or by email at
baxter@harbourbreton.com .
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