NOVEMBER 30, 2006

BROADBAND NETWORK PROJECT BRINGS HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ACCESS TO ATLIN, BC.

The Atlin wireless network project has been completed as of November 30, 2006. This regional network provides high-speed access to homes, businesses and institutions in Atlin and outlying areas such as Pine Creek Subdivision, Lakeview and Taku River Tlingit First Nation Village and Five Mile First Nations Reserve. The project is a partnership between Industry Canada’s Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program and Atlin Community Network Society, the local Internet Service Provider. (ISP)

Three network access points in and around Atlin provide wireless high-speed Internet connectivity from households and business to a central location. From there, the network traffic is fed to a local earth station where it is transmitted to the Internet by satellite. Each subscriber has Internet access speeds similar to those available on DSL and cable networks in major urban centres.

The project received funding from Industry Canada’s Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program Initiative, which provides financial assistance to bring broadband access to rural, remote and Aboriginal communities. The total project costs amount to $78,084. Industry Canada funded $40,272 and the balance of the project costs were contributed by the Atlin Community Network Society.

Among the 59 subscribers to the Atlin Broadband Project, Ms. Julie Taylor says: "The availability of broadband Internet access in Atlin has enriched my life by allowing me to transparently complete online financial transactions, have more frequent, closer contact with my family and take online courses necessary for continuing employment.”

“Through the Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program, Canada’s new government continues to help Canadians in rural, remote and Aboriginal communities benefit from all the economic, business and social opportunities that broadband can bring.” Said the Honourable Maxime Mernier, Ministry of Industry.

More information about the Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program can be accessed at http://www.broadband.gc.ca./