News Release - Wimax Project in Interlake

News Release: For Immediate Release
August 15, 2005
Interlake Explores WiMax Portable Telephone Development
The Interlake Development Corporation currently is exploring the use of the latest WiMax technology to develop a comprehensive network for cellular-like telephone coverage within the Interlake.
Chris Pawley, chairman of the Interlake Development Corporation, and an avid user of VOIP (voice-over internet protocol) telephones, sees the potential as offering exceptional benefits to the Interlake region of the province.
"In 2003, the IDC championed expansion of high-speed Internet services that allowed thousands of the Interlake area residents and hundreds of businesses to access "high speed". That, in turn, allows us to be more competitive with urban centers. The WiMax technology will provide Wireless Internet to absolutely every household in the Interlake, and, at the same time, allow for universal access to VOIP telephone systems.
"We believe that the ability to use mobile wireless telephones will go hand in hand, meaning that every resident will be able to use a mobile telephone, in every comer of our region."
Mr. Pawley points out that the impetus for this project was two-fold.
"First, the BRAND high-speed project by the IDC, along with the Westshore project in the
Winnipeg Beach area, provided us with the technical background and increased our consumer base for broadband.
Then, our inability to convince MTS of the need to improve cellular coverage for the 25-30,000 people in Riverton & Fisher Branch, as well as the eight First Nations in the Interlake pushed us to look at alternatives."
Lynn Greenberg, chairman of the Interlake Development Corporation's Cellular Telephone committee that has been working with MTS for three years to improve cell coverage in the area, expresses his frustration. "MTS has done nothing. We need to take action on our own, if we want to improve phone service in the Interlake. If that means we approach AT&T, or Shaw Cable, or any other phone supplier, we will do it."
Pawley stresses that "lnterlakers believe they can control their own future. A group of representatives from various parts of the region have been researching the potential for a couple of years. In the past few months, we have had dozens of business people; private citizens, political representatives, and community leaders volunteer to be part of the project. Three computer firms have come forward to work with us, including TCM Electronics, Rainy Day, and Keen Computers.
In fact, two of the leading experts on WiMax and broadband services insist that the project is not only do-able, but do-able at less than it would cost us to purchase and install the equipment that
MTS demands for installing cellular coverage in only three communities - Fisher Branch and Peguis and Fisher First Nations."
Pawley also points out that the proposed business would provide high-speed at rates comparable to MTS, and telephone service, including free long distance throughout North America and all calling features, for less than $50 per month.
"Compare the phone rates alone to typical cellular costs of more than $120 per month," he says. "And, the business could be locally owned."
However, WiMax is such a new technology that the major product suppliers are only now entering the licensing phase. And Pawley concedes that the final product may not meet the hype that precedes it.


"We need to know that Interlakers, themselves, want us to proceed. And, at the same time, we know that MTS or some other provider, like Shaw, or AT&T may want to show up and pre-empt our plans. So we intend to get on this thing quickly."
Pawley concludes by asking residents to call the IDC to let them know their opinions on the topic. "Call our office at 376-5033, or email us at interlak@mts.net,he says. And no, the irony of an MTS email address is not lost on me!"

Contact: Chris Pawley or Bob Lee, IDC Box 689, Arborg, MB. ROC 0A0 376-5033