Seaside Wireless
An Entire Province Online – a First for North America
Access to high-speed Internet, or broadband, has revolutionized the way people communicate all over the world. It offers a fast and reliable online connection, but people living in rural areas often found themselves forced to rely on the much slower dial-up Internet because they didn't have the infrastructure for broadband. Here in Nova Scotia, Seaside Wireless Communications is committed to making our province one of the most connected places in North America. They want every family and business across the province to have high-speed Internet at their fingertips - no matter where they live.
"With broadband, you'll be able to build your business and grow your network in the global market. Grandmothers on one coast can communicate with their grandchildren on another," says Adam Conter, director of communications for Seaside Wireless. "The scope of this project is massive. It involves three Internet service providers, 18 counties and the goal of 100 per cent broadband coverage."
Seaside Wireless is the innovative Nova Scotian company at the forefront of the province's Broadband for Rural Nova Scotia initiative. This project is the largest of its kind in North America and it's happening right here in our own backyard. By the end of this year, the entire province of Nova Scotia will be connected to high-speed Internet. "It puts our province on the map in terms of a forward-thinking technologically-advanced place," says Conter.
Whether you live in Parrsboro or Ingonish, Seaside Wireless offers accessibility on a truly global scale. With high-speed Internet, people can do their banking online, stream music and videos, plan trips and book flights, order from online retailers and create their own cutting-edge websites. “We're giving businesses the opportunity to compete in the global market and residents the ability to communicate with friends and family all over the world," says Conter.
This is something Stephen Townsend knows firsthand. Townsend owns the Barrens at Bay cottages, a beautiful coastal getaway in Guysborough, and says living and running a business in an area without high speed Internet was a frustration for himself and for his guests. "People used to leave their lives behind when they traveled, but vacations have changed and people now expect to be able to maintain contact with their home or business with ease when away." But he says this tourism season will be different with Seaside Wireless high-speed Internet. "The summer tourist season is here and our repeat guests have a pleasant surprise awaiting them," Townsend says.
For rural business owners, like Townsend, the possibilities are endless. But Conter says the Rural Broadband project will also help Nova Scotia attract international business. Until now, if a company wanted to do exploratory mining in rural Cape Breton or develop a new forestry operation in Hants county, they wouldn't have had the capability to run their operations. Now, they'll be connected wherever their work takes them, just one of the many advantages of doing business in Nova Scotia.
"No matter where you are in the province, you'll be able to communicate and operate. It helps make Nova Scotia a top choice for business," says Conter.
It isn't just the business world that reaps the benefits of high-speed access. From completing your master's degree to learning a new language, Seaside's network will help students access online education and new research opportunities, regardless of their distance from university. If you have relatives living away, you'll be able to connect using the latest technology - and bring your family, whether they're in Ontario or South Korea, right to your living room.
Seaside's network consists of communications structures in over nine counties across the province - an engineering feat they couldn't have accomplished without advanced technology, the most capable local construction workers and, most importantly, the cooperation of local landowners. Conter says residents were genuinely enthusiastic about the project from the beginning, as they knew it would help service their neighbours and their community. "It's a testament to how open-minded and community-focused Nova Scotians are," he says.
By the end of this year, Seaside Wireless will have helped bring high-speed to thousands people in the province, helping to make Nova Scotia the first jurisdiction to be completely online in North America. And for people still waiting for high-speed service in their area, they can add their name to the Seaside Wireless waiting list to make sure they're updated.
"As long as we have your phone number and email address, we'll send out biweekly updates letting you know how things are progressing. And when we're coming to your area, we'll give you a phone call," Conter says. A personalized touch you won't find anywhere else.
Seaside Wireless Communications is a shining example of the creativity and resourcefulness thriving in Nova Scotia and Conter can't imagine a better place to work and play. "Being based in Nova Scotia is fantastic. Workers are dedicated, opportunities abound and no matter what you're doing you can always stop to appreciate the beauty of our province.”
