Project Update: Increasing Network Investments

It looks like our project will complete under budget! GwaiiTel has taken extra time to determine where to invest this money in the system and ensure approval from our funders. We will be updating more equipment as part of the Connecting Canadian’s fibre project; as a result, the light-up of the fibre has been delayed. 

Where are we at?

  • The total length of fibre is in the ground

  • Preliminary testing is complete

  • Major approvals have been obtained from Ministry of Transport

  • Financial approvals from our funders for alterations to scope

What needs to be done?

  • Final approval & authorization from Ministry of Transport

  • Replace inadequate equipment with new equipment (generators, community cabinets, & electronics)

  • Light up the fibre!

Gathering quotes, reassessing material lists & working with the board to determine where funds would be best spent within the network was a lengthy process. We expected to light up the fibre for residents in mid-July. We are quickly reassembling contractors and obtaining materials, and anticipate the end date to be in October 2016.

Stay tuned for more updates and Hawa'a for your patience!

Update: Our Fibre Backbone & FTTP Plan

As we reach the summer months, the feeder fibre installation by D.S.G Communications nears completion.

Next steps for the project include:

In addition to the backbone installation, a Fibre to the Premise Plan (FTTP) was created, outlining how to connect every island resident/house on Haida Gwaii to distribution fibre. Communities can utilize this plan in individual attempts to secure funding for their residents. The ideal solution will be both cost-effective & equitable - this may look like a mixed or hybrid of FTTP and wireless. 

GwaiiTel will continue to source and leverage funds in the future to improve and maintain our Internet infrastructure. We will continue to examine new technologies and their suitability in this region. 

Thank you/Hawa'a to GwaiiTel partners & contributors who made this project possible:

We begin utilizing the new fibre backbone in July 2016!