Released on April 30, 2004
This fall SCN will be upgrading its one-way Digital Satellite Network to a two-way satellite system, expanding the high-speed infrastructure of Saskatchewan's CommunityNet and making connectivity to rural, remote and First Nations schools more robust and cost-effective.Minister responsible for SCN Joan Beatty said this marks the first commercial deployment in Canada of a worldwide-emerging technology standard, further advancing Saskatchewan's leadership in broadband connectivity across Canada.
"We are proud of SCN's role, building on Saskatchewan's provincial connectivity plan," Beatty said. "CommunityNet is already recognized as one of the most advanced systems in Canada."
The upgrade results from an innovative partnership between SCN, Saskatchewan Learning, Keewatin Career Development Corporation (KCDC) and Industry Canada. Cost of the expansion and operations is $5.38 million over three years and is shared by Saskatchewan Learning and KCDC.
It provides an opportunity to see rural, remote and First Nation communities become full participants in mainstream systems - utilizing technologies and systems available and in widespread use in the rest of the province. The 160 schools to be upgraded will move from one-way high speed internet with a dial-up return path, to always-on, two-way satellite service with full CommunityNet connectivity.
"The CommunityNet upgrade being completed during the 2004 fall school term will enable full access and participation in the province-wide network for all Saskatchewan schools," Learning Minister Andrew Thomson said.
"This system provides the capability to offer the latest distance and technology enhanced learning opportunities and enables us to better serve the diverse educational needs of all people."
"As the regional management organization for Industry Canada, our job is to serve the needs of First Nations schools in Saskatchewan," KCDC General Manager Randy Johns said. "Recognizing the benefits of this Saskatchewan-based network, KCDC is proud to be part of this innovative partnership because it is helping to provide improved access for 73 First Nations schools in Saskatchewan."
EMS Satellite Networks developed the new technology.
"The utilization of this two-way satellite system minimizes overall costs and allows for immediate integration into the existing network. This commercial deployment is a first for Canada, and we are proud to be part of the launch of this important service," EMS Satellite Networks Senior VP and General Manager of EMS Satellite Networks Don Osborne said.
As part of CommunityNet, SCN delivers high-speed internet access to 160 Saskatchewan schools through its Digital Satellite Network (DSN), building upon existing technology that provides video channels to deliver high school and post secondary courses and learning opportunities to over 230 classrooms in more than 200 communities throughout Saskatchewan. The combination of these networks provides increased connectivity and educational opportunities that otherwise might not exist to residents in remote communities.
Saskatchewan's provincial connectivity plan is among the most advanced within Canada. CommunityNet is available in 366 communities. This current enhancement further advances Saskatchewan's leadership in broadband connectivity across Canada, providing additional services and access to all Saskatchewan citizens.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Maureen MacDonald SCN Regina Phone: (306)787-0490 | Jacquie McLean Learning Regina Phone: (306)787-5609 |
Randy Johns KCDC LaRonge Phone: (306)425-4778 | Don Osborne EMS Montreal Phone: (514)335-3550 |