Broadband for all—but when?

There are no plans to immediately introduce broadband Internet service to Digby County.

Paula Sibley, a spokesperson for Eastlink Service, says the company has been working to expand services in Digby, but there remains much to be done before broadband is possible. “There’s quite a process to this and a lot is done behind the scenes,” she said. “There’s no specific timeline, but we expect it to happen quickly once things get rolling.”

The service will be launched in some communities as early as May, but much of the preliminary work has yet to be completed in Digby County.

The Nova Scotia government has promised that by the end of 2009, every Nova Scotian will have access to broadband services.

A statement on the website of the Economic Development department states, “Access to broadband service is as important today as paved roads, electricity and telephones were in the past. “We need it to communicate, to access information, and to conduct business. The goal is to make Nova Scotia the most connected area in all of North America.”

EastLink and Seaside Communications were awarded contracts to bring high-speed Internet to areas of rural Nova Scotia that currently lack such service.

Sibley said mapping the area, getting access to appropriate sites and approval to build towers are among the required steps before broadband service is possible.

Engineers will evaluate radio frequency signals in the area, and look at the topography to determine the best location for the most coverage, she said. “Their work determines if a new tower or a pole is needed to make the site most effective,” she adds. “We also need to find out who owns the land, and whether the land is for sale, or offered for lease.”

Once engineers have picked the best sites, the project manager needs to see if the site is free. If the best sites aren’t open, it’s back to looking at adjacent sites. If the search comes up empty, then it is back to the engineer.

Much of the network will likely consist of poles similar to, but taller than, telephone or electricity poles, she said.

Like any construction project, permits are required and will need to conform to municipal bylaws. As well, supplies need to be ordered.

Sibley added that anyone wishing to have advance notice of broadband service could register for updates. “Customers can register online at Eastlink.ca or by telephone to received updates of how the process is going,” she said. “So customers will know right away when it’s available.”