Satellite Internet accessible to remote SMEs.

Northern Ontario's remote small to medium-sized businesses are taking advantage of the opportunity to be "connected."

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Satellite Internet for Remote Areas Program (SIRA), introduced by North Eastern Ontario Communications Network Inc. (NEOnet), is accepting applications to help remote businesses and not-for-profit organizations secure high-speed Internet.

Due to the initial project's recent success, it is now in its second phase. Sharon Jones, NEOnet's administrator for SIRA, approved approximately 200 applications for the first round (Nov. 2005-Sept. 2006) and has approved another 115 to date (Sept. 28, 2006) within the second round of funding.

Funded through FedNor, the SIRA program will provide up to 75 per cent to a maximum of $1,000 of the costs associated with installing the Ka-band satellite service. These costs may include the satellite dish, associated connectivity equipment and installation fees.

The service provider chosen must be an authorized Telesat reseller. This satellite system is the first to fully commercialize the Ka frequency band offering two-way broadband services, according to Telesat's website.

Monthly maintenance fees for the satellite service vary depending on the selected service package and provider, but it can range from $55 to $200 per month. Since the first SIRA program, Jones says the cost for a Ka band dish has also decreased.

Chris McLaughlin, NEOnet's ICT project manager, says the Ka-band targets pockets allowing for a stronger signal, which in turn, provides better access and speed.

"It provides them with great opportunity to save money as well as make money," McLaughlin says, because they area able to obtain and disseminate information much quicker.

It also allows those using radio or satellite phones to take advantage of Voice Over IP (Internet protocol). He says it works well with NEOnet's broadband expansion in the Cochrane District.

The program is offered specifically to small- and medium-sized Northern Ontario businesses operating on a full-time basis with minimum annual sales of $35,000, as well as seasonal businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Muskoka Community Network will be accepting applications for businesses in Parry Sound and Muskoka districts during phase two.

The applications are on a first-come first-served basis. Jones says they are going quickly and will be available until the funding runs out or until the closing date of Sept. 2007, whichever comes first.

As a follow up to the program, Jones adds they have received many positive emails, which in turn, assisted in obtaining funding for phase two.

"It has helped their business tremendously," she says. "They can get their bookings much quicker (for tourist resorts), it helps them download large files in a very short time, and it doesn't tie up the phone lines."

Como Lake Resort owner and operator Sue Burk has found it a marked improvement from the four-way radio phone service she previously endured.

Located about 30 miles northeast of Chapleau, Burk found herself either falling asleep late at night while waiting to get on the Internet, or rising in the early hours of the morning to get online.

As a seasonal operation, between 50 to 75 per cent of her business was performed through the Internet.

Since the installation of the satellite dish, 95 per cent of her reservations are now done online. Burk says the instant connectivity has eliminated the frustration of lost connections and restarts. She no longer worries about the length of time spent on the web and finds the system extremely efficient when downloading documents.

"It is so much quicker to get information out and to receive reservations," she said in an email response. She added that she uses the Internet for reservation confirmations, saving money in postage. Burk also uses it for updating her accounting program, which was previously performed with compact disc.

For more information, contact Sharon Jones at 705-360-1353, ext. 3 or visit www.neonet.on.ca.

By ADELLE LARMOUR

Northern Ontario Business