BROADBAND CANADA
Connecting
Rural Canadians
APPLICATION FORM
Minto Communications
Society
October 21, 2009
Broadband Canada
1
Minto Communications Society
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Schedule 1 – BASIC INFORMATION/APPLICATION SYNOPSIS. . . . . . . . .
3
Schedule 2 – ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA ...........................................................
8
Schedule 3 – COVERAGE ..............................................................................
11
Schedule 4 – COST ..................................................................................
13
Schedule 5 – TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTION ..............................................
19
Schedule 6 – SUSTAINABILITY .........................................................................
42
Schedule 7 – PROJECT MANAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
45
LETTER OF SUPPORT - SLRD .......................................................................
51
ARTICLES ........................................................................................................
52
RESUMES ........................................................................................................
55
Broadband Canada
2
Minto Communications Society
SCHEDULE 1
Basic information/application synopsis
1. NAME OF APPLICANT
Minto Communications Society
2. CONTACT INFORMATION
Name of lead contact: Chris Donald P.Eng.
Organization: Minto Communications Society
Position: President
Address: 8366 Vinewood Place
City: Burnaby
Province: BC
Postal Code: V5A 3V6
Telephone number: 604-421-5657
Cellular telephone number: 778-865-0447
Fax number: 604-421-5641
Email address: cdonald@telus.net
Website: http://www.mintocomm.ca
3. COLLABORATING PARTNERS
PARTNER #1:
Name of lead contact: Brock Prozeniuk P.Eng.
Organization: mmtek.com Design
Position: CTO
Address: 9685 David Drive
City: Burnaby
Province: BC
Postal Code: V3J 1H2
Telephone number: 604-444-4538
Cellular telephone number: n/a
Fax number: n/a
Website: http://www.mmtek.com
Email address: b.prozeniuk@mmtek.com
Roles and responsibility in the project: System Architect Consultant & IP Design
PARTNER #2:
Name of lead contact: Chris Donald P. Eng.
Organization: Chris Donald Consulting Ltd.
Position: Owner
Address: 8366 Vinewood Pl.
City: Burnaby
Province: BC
Postal Code: V5A 3V6
Telephone number: 604-421-5657
Cellular telephone number: 778-865-0447
Fax number: 604-421-5641
Email address: cdonald@telus.net
Website:
Roles and responsibility in the project: Project Management, System Design, Network Installation
& Configuration
Broadband Canada
3
Minto Communications Society
PARTNER #3:
Name of lead contact: Peter Dartana, P.Eng.
(Alberta)
Organization: C.I.Design & Graphix Services
Address: Ste. 28 – 1020 Mainland
Position: Owner
City: Vancouver
Province: BC
Postal Code: V6B 2T4
Telephone number: 778-998-0738
Cellular telephone number: 778-998-0738
Fax number: 604-683-7582
Email address: mail@idesignandgraphix.com
Website: www.idesignanggraphix.com
Roles and responsibility in the project: Project Management, System Design, Network Installation
& Configuration
PARTNER #4:
Name of lead contact: Bob Chow
Organization: Independent Consultant
Address: 1732 Emerson Crt
Position: Owner
City: North Vancouver
Province: BC
Postal Code: V7H 2Y6
Telephone number: 604-929-8908
Cellular telephone number:
Fax number:
Email address: chow@triumf.ca
Website:
Roles and responsibility in the project: RF Network Design, IP network Design, Network
Management
PARTNER #5:
Name of lead contact: Kenny Diebel
Organization: Harbour Landing Construction
Position: Manager
Address: Suite 400 - 375 Water Street
City: Vancouver
Province: BC
Postal Code: V6B 5C6
Telephone number: 604-453-5021
Cellular telephone number:
Fax number: 604-453-5051
Email address: kenny@mcleangroup.com
Website:
http://www.hlconstruction.ca/services/radio_tower_construction.htm
Roles and responsibility in the project: Tower Design, Tower Erection, Solar Design
4. PROJECT TITLE:
Upper Bridge River Valley Broadband Internet Service
Broadband Canada
4
Minto Communications Society
5. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: (500 WORDS MAXIMUM)
The objective of this project is to provide broadband connectivity to five communities in the Upper Bridge
River Valley (BRV) utilizing wireless technology exclusively. The BRV communities are Gun Lake,
Tyaughton Lake, Gun Creek, Gold Bridge, and Bralorne. This remote mountainous region is
approximately 100 km west of the town of Lillooet, British Columbia.
In 2009 our non-profit society, Minto Communications Society (MCS), launched initial high speed
wireless internet service to Gun Lake and Tyaughton Lake; prior to this deployment the only option for
high speed internet was by satellite.
Coverage: The BRV comprises GSA BC5920: Hex 30275,30323,30370,30371 and Tyaughton Lake; this
area includes approximately 236 households. Telus provides the internet service feed using T1 carrier
from Gold Bridge to a POP located on Gun Lake. Service distribution from the POP to the five
communities is by wireless trunking.
Cost: The total eligible cost for the project is $ 3 4 8 , 9 8 0 . 0 0
Technology:
i.
Distribution: The network design is based on proven wireless technology from Tranzeo Wireless
Technologies using 5.8 GHz trunking and 2.4 GHz access nodes. Connection to households is
from access points on radio towers located at Gun Lake, Tyaughton Lake, Gold Bridge, and
Bralorne, and from access points installed as repeaters at selected household locations.
ii.
Core Technology: The network is configured for IP bridging in a tree configuration. Future
upgrades include migration to a partial-mesh topography.
The Gun Lake POP currently has three servers: primary network server, backup server, and a
DNS server. This project includes technology upgrade to install bandwidth
management/shaping technology and back-up UPS power to improve QoS.
Sustainability: Growth in the proposed service area is constrained by the lack of available building sites
within the five communities due to the mountainous terrain and saturation of current dwellings around
Gun Lake and Tyaughton Lake. The network we propose has the capacity to serve all current
residential/commercial users in the BRV and has the capacity, with increased T1 bandwidth from Telus,
to support expansion driven by commercial mining or Independent Power Projects and increased service
speed.
The five year business case provides a positive cash flow with a basic residential rate at $45/month and
a conservative take-rate. It takes into account the need for technology upgrading in the network and
initiatives to increase reliability.
Project Management: The risks associated with this project are low. The MCS has demonstrated its
ability to design, install, and operate a successful high speed internet service in its first year of operation.
The design and implementation of the project is supported by four highly experience telecommunications
engineers/technologists with over 100 years joint experience in designing, project managing, and
deploying data communications networks for BC Tel, Bell Canada, Stentor, and TRIUMF.
A formal project management approach will be taken to ensure proper cost and scheduling control. The
MS Project software will be used to monitor progress and track critical milestones. See attached Gantt
chart.
Broadband Canada
5
Minto Communications Society
6. TOTAL ELIGIBLE PROJECT COSTS: $348,980
Project Cost Breakdown
Materials Cost
Engineering
Installation
Labour
Total Cost
Gun Lake
$
70,200.00
$
12,665.00
$ 20,020.00
$ 102,885.00
Tyaughton Lake
$
40,580.00
$
9,850.00
$ 16,120.00
$
66,550.00
Gold Bridge
$
28,180.00
$
2,815.00
$
4,680.00
$
35,675.00
Gun Creek Rd
$
30,550.00
$
8,445.00
$ 12,220.00
$
51,215.00
Bralorne
$
57,110.00
$
12,665.00
$ 22,880.00
$
92,655.00
Project Total $
226,620.00
$
46,440.00
$ 75,920.00
$ 348,980.00
Community
Funding
%
Amount
Broadband Canada
50.0%
$ 174,490
SLRD Regional
District
NetworkBC
Broadband Canada
3.6%
$
12,500
46.4%
$
161,990
6
Minto Communications Society
7 . AMOUNT REQUESTED FROM BROADBAND CANADA: $174,490.00
8 . SOURCES OF REMAINING FUNDING
SOURCE #1:
Name of partner: Network
BC; Connecting Citizens Grant Program
Amount of contribution: $161,990.00
Percentage of total contribution: 4 6 . 4 %
SOURCE #2:
Name of partner: Squamish
Lillooet Regional District, Pemberton, BC
Amount of contribution: $12,500
Percentage of total contribution: 3 . 6 %
Broadband Canada
7
Minto Communications Society
SCHEDULE 2
E L IG IB IL IT Y C R IT E R IA
NAME
DESCRIPTION OF HOW THE PROPOSED PROJECT MEETS THE CRITERIA
Geographical Service Area
The service areas comprise GSA BC5920, Hex 30275,30323,30370,30371 and Tyaughton Lake (no hex
#). The total number of potential households to be served in the service area is approximately 262 from a
base of 296.
The breakdown by community is as follows:
Gold Bridge; Hex 30370; 11 households
Bralorne; Hex 30275; 15 households
Haylmore/Gold Bridge; Hex 30323; 2 households
Gun Lake; Hex 30371; 180 households
Gun Creek; Hex 30371; 13 households
Tyaughton Lake: No Hex; 48 households
Broadband Connectivity
The proposed technical solution will support 1.5 Mbps download speed and 500 Kbps upload speed to
all of the households and businesses in the served communities. Some households may not be served if
they are not accessible from one of the wireless access points. Due to the mountainous topography and
heavy tree coverage, only on-site path testing at each household will determine actual penetration.
Funding
MCS is requesting $174,490.00 from Broadband Canada. The matching funding will be derived from two
sources: $12,500 from the Squamish Lillooet Regional District, Pemberton BC, and $161,990.00 though
our application to the second round of Network BC; Connecting Citizens Grant Program. The SLRD
funding is specifically allocated as follows: $2500 to Gold Bridge; $5000 to each of the Bralorne and Gun
Creek Rd. communities. The application to NetworkBC will be based on five separate applications; one
for each of the five communities served.
Timeframe
March 2010 to Nov 2010; Depending of the availability of funding and snow conditions, construction of a
tower at Gold Bridge might be possible before the end of 2009.
Statement By Professional Engineer
I certify that that the technological solution will meet the broadband service requirement of 1.5 Mbps
download speed and 500 Kbps upload speed.
_________________________
Chris Donald P.Eng (BC)
Broadband Canada
___________________
Date
8
Minto Communications Society
Sources of funding
PARTNER
REQUESTING FUNDING
Squamish Lillooet
Regional District
NetworkBC
Second Round
Connecting Citizens
Grant
Broadband Canada
AMOUNT
REQUESTED
STATUS OF
APPLICATION
NAME OF
PROGRAM
$12,500
Pre-approved;
based on
providing service
turn-up; Aug 2508 Board Meeting
Application to 2nd
round pending.
Five applications
will be submitted;
one for each of
the 5 served
communities
SLRD - Region
A Discretionary
Allocation
Russ Oakley, Chairman
SLRD
(250) 238-2519
russoakley@telus.net
Connecting
Citizens Grant
Program;
closes Nov 232009
NetworkBC
CCGP
250-356-6118
digitaldivide@gov.bcbca
(for Gold Bridge,
Bralorne & Gun
Creek only)
$161,990
9
CONTACT INFORMATION
http://www.network.gov.b
c.ca/
Minto Communications Society
Extract from SLRD Board Meeting Aug 25, 2008 approving Minto funding.
SLRD Regular Meeting Minutes
August 25, 2008; 10:30 AM
Gold Bridge Community Hall
699 Gun Lake Road West, Gold Bridge BC
In Attendance:
Board:
1
R. Oakley (Chair); M. Macri (Area B); J. Sturdy (Pemberton); S. Gimse (Area C); M. Lampman
(Alternate, Lillooet); N. Bastien (Alternate, Area D); E. Zeidler (Alternate, Whistler)
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 10: 30 AM.
6
Correspondence Requesting Action
6.4
Minto Communications Society – Request for Funding
Item 6.4 was deferred till after item 10.2.
10
Delegations and Petitions
10.2
Peter Dartana, - Minto Communications Society
Mr. Dartana gave an overview of the Minto Communications Society.
Director Macri left the meeting at 1:49 PM.
Director Macri returned to the meeting at 1:54 PM.
6.4
Minto Communications Society – Request for Funding
It was moved and seconded:
THAT $5000 from Area A Select Funds be authorized to the Minto Communications
Society and $5000 per additional community as the high speed wireless internet is
implemented, up to $25 000.
CARRIED
14
The meeting was adjourned at 2:37 PM.
Russ Oakley
Chair
Broadband Canada
Paul R. Edgington
Chief Administrative Officer
10
Minto Communications Society
SCHEDULE 3
COVERAGE
Summary Demographic Description of Project
3.1 SUMMARY OF COVERAGE INFORMATION
GSA NUMBER: BC5920
Hex 30275,30323,30370,30371,Tyaughton Lake(no hex)
AT THE PROJECT
STARTING DATE
AT THE PROJECT
COMPLETION DATE
Total number of households in the GSA
296
296
Total number of unserved / underserved households
296
34
0
262
296
34
Ratio of unserved / underserved households : (total unserved –
underserved households / total number of households)
100%
11.5%
Ratio of proposed coverage : (total number of households proposed to
be served / total number of unserved households)
100%
88.5%
Ratio of remaining unserved / underserved: (total number of
households remaining unserved – underserved / total number of
households in the GSA
100%
11.5%
Total number of unserved / underserved households proposed to be
served
Total number of households remaining unserved / underserved
Ratios:
Broadband Canada
11
Minto Communications Society
Section 3.2 and 3.3
Coverage Analysis
BC5920
Hexagon Number
Location Name
Total
Population
2006
Census
Number of
Households
Proposed Project Unserved/Underse
Serves the
rved Households
Hexagon?
in the Hexagon
Unserved/Underse
rved Households
to be Served in
the Hexagon
30275
Bralorne, BC @ 50.77°N x 122.81°W
55
22
Y
22
18
30323
Haylmore, BC @ 50.85°N x 122.87°W
5
2
Y
2
2
30370
Gold Bridge, BC @ 50.87°N x 122.81°W
34
13
Y
13
11
30371
Gun Lake; Squamish-Lillooet A, BC @ 50.9°N x 122.87°W
63
25
Y
Gun Lake: 180
Gun Lake:170
Gun Creek:19
Gun Creek:13
TOTAL: 199
TOTAL: 183
Rationale
Comments
Bralorne sits on the side
of a deep winding creek
situated in the
mountains. A number of
houses are situated on
the river banks
surrounded by trees and
rock outcrops
RECREATIONAL
HOUSEHOLDS
Service to this community
is from the Gold Bridge
repeater. Most households
are seasonal and do not
show up in the census.
Close to Gold Bridge; full time.
Some households
unaccessable due to
trees and location
Gun Lake: Lack of
wireless coverage due to
mountains, trees, and
shape of Gun lake. Also
seasonal users may not
want service.
RECREATIONAL
HOUSEHOLDS
This hex includes the
population of Gun Lake
and Gun Creek Rd. Gun
lake has approx. 120
households and Gun Creek
Gun Creek Rd.: Lack of
Rd. has 19. See attached
wireless coverage due to xls filefrom a BC Land Title
trees and road on the
search. Most households
side of a deep winding
are seasonal and do not
valley. Some households show up in the c
do not ha
Lack of power and lack
of wireless coverage due
to mountains, trees, and
shape of lake.
no hex; near hex 30371
Tyaughton Lake, BC
50.93N x122.78W
nil
60
Y
60
48
RECREATIONAL
HOUSEHOLDS
Tyaughton lake has
approx 3 full-time resident
households; the balance
are seasonal users.
Household data was
derived from a BC Land
Title seach which is
attached as a xls file.
Since most households are
seasonal they do not
show u
See XLS spreadsheet on CD.
Broadband Canada
12
Minto Communications Society
.
SCHEDULE 4
Average Household Cost
Total Cost
Unserved
Households
Households
Served
$ 102,885
180
170
Tyaughton Lake
$ 66,550
60
48
$ 1,387
Gold Bridge
$ 35,675
15
13
$ 2,744
Gun Creek Rd
$ 51,215
19
13
$ 3,940
Bralorne
$ 92,655
22
18
$ 5,147
$348,980
296
262
Community
Gun Lake
Project Total
Cost per
household
$
Avg.Cost
per HH
for
served
area
605
$1,332
Eligible Capital Costs
System Expansion & Upgrade; 2010 - 2011
Gun Lake Community
Gun Lake POP
Internet Subscriber Server
Bandwidth Shaping Appliance
Network Management Software
Uninterruptable Power Supply
Backup Generator
Power Distribution Unit
Tower height extension
Zorba Bridge Radio
Flag Lookout Bridge Radio
Mounting hardware & cabling
$70,200.00
Handlink
NetEqualizer
Dartware
APC
Onan
APC
Trylon
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
ISS-6000
NE-2000-4
InterMapper
SURTA3000RMXL3U
QG 2800
AP7900
TR-5a-24f
TR-5a-24f
$2,500.00
$3,000.00
$2,500.00
$2,500.00
$5,000.00
$500.00
$5,000.00
$300.00
$300.00
$50.00
$21,650.00
Gun Lake Flag Lookout AP
Broadband Canada
13
Minto Communications Society
POP Bridge Radio
Reed Hill Bridge Radio
Access Point Radio
Solar Panels
Charge Controller
Deep Cycle Batteries
Equipment Housing
Tower (with installation labour)
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Day4
Xantrex
TR-5a-24f
TR-5a-24f
TR-6015f
48MC
C40+CM
Trylon
Titan T400 80'
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$1,300.00
$300.00
$2,000.00
$1,000.00
$25,000.00
$30,500.00
Gun Lake Reed Hill AP
Flag Lookout Bridge Radio
Mounting hardware & cabling
Solar Panels
Charge Controller
Deep Cycle Batteries
Equipment Housing
Tranzeo
TR-5a-24f
Day4
Xantrex
48MC
C40+CM
$300.00
$50.00
$1,300.00
$300.00
$2,000.00
$1,000.00
$4,950.00
Gun Lake Watkins AP
Uninterruptable Power Supply
APC
SUA1500RM2U
$800.00
$800.00
Gun lake Blakeney AP
Uninterruptable Power Supply
APC
SUA1500RM2U
$800.00
$800.00
Gold Bridge Community
Gold Bridge AP
Uninterruptable Power Supply
Lajoie Dam Bridge Radio
Equipment Cabinet
Tower (with installation labour)
$28,180.00
APC
Tranzeo
SUA1500RM2U
TR-5a-24f
Trylon
Titan T400 80'
$800.00
$300.00
$500.00
$25,000.00
$26,600.00
Gold Bridge Lajoie Dam AP
Uninterruptable Power Supply
Gold Bridge Bridge Radio
Access Point Radio
Access Point Antenna
Mounting hardware & cabling
APC
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
SUA1500RM2U
TR-5a-24f
TR-6600f
TR-OD24-12
$800.00
$300.00
$300.00
$80.00
$100.00
$1,580.00
Gun Creek Rd. Community
Gun Creek Rd Zorba AP
POP Bridge Radio
AP Radio (Gun Creek Road)
AP Radio (Gun Lake E)
Solar Panels
Charge Controller
Broadband Canada
$30,550.00
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Day4
Xantrex
TR-5a-24f
TR-6619f
TR-6015f
48MC
C40+CM
14
$300.00
$350.00
$300.00
$1,300.00
$300.00
Minto Communications Society
Deep Cycle Batteries
Equipment Housing
Tower (with installation labour)
Trylon
Titan T400 80'
$2,000.00
$1,000.00
$25,000.00
$30,550.00
Tyaughton Lake Community
Tyaughton Minto Repeater/AP
Uninterruptable Power Supply
Backup Generator
Power Distribution Unit
Tyaughton East Bridge Radio
Bralorne Bridge Radio
Mounting hardware & cabling
$40,580.00
APC
Onan
APC
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
SURTA3000RMXL3U
QG 2800
AP7900
TR-5a-24f
TR-5plus-24f
$2,500.00
$5,000.00
$500.00
$300.00
$350.00
$50.00
$8,700.00
Tyaughton Tyax Lodge AP
Uninterruptable Power Supply
APC
SUA1500RM2U
$800.00
$800.00
Tyaughton East AP
Minto Bridge Radio
Access Point Radio
Access Point Antenna
Solar Panels
Charge Controller
Deep Cycle Batteries
Equipment Housing
Tower (with installation)
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Day4
Xantrex
TR-5a-24f
TR-6600f
TR-OD24-12
48MC
C40+CM
Trylon
Titan T400 80'
$300.00
$300.00
$80.00
$1,300.00
$300.00
$2,000.00
$1,000.00
$25,000.00
$30,280.00
Tyaughton Ryba AP
Uninterruptable Power Supply
APC
SUA1500RM2U
$800.00
$800.00
Bralorne Community
Bralorne Firehall Repeater/AP
Uninterruptable Power Supply
Bralorne North Bridge Radio
Access Point Radio
Access Point Antenna
Tower (with installation labour)
$57,110.00
APC
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Trylon
SUA1500RM2U
TR-5a-24f
TR-6600f
TR-OD24-12
Titan T400 80'
$800.00
$300.00
$300.00
$80.00
$25,000.00
$26,480.00
Bralorne North AP
Minto Repeater Bridge Radio
Bralorne Firehall Bridge Radio
Access Point Radio
Access Point Antenna
Solar Panels
Charge Controller
Deep Cycle Batteries
Broadband Canada
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Day4
Xantrex
TR-5plus-24f
TR-5a-24f
TR-6600f
TR-OD24-12
48MC
C40+CM
15
$350.00
$300.00
$300.00
$80.00
$1,300.00
$300.00
$2,000.00
Minto Communications Society
Equipment Housing
Tower (with installation labour)
Trylon
$1,000.00
$25,000.00
Titan T400 80'
$30,630.00
Additional Items; Gun Lake
General
Completion of Communications
shack
Acquisition of service truck
$11,500.00
$1,500.00
$10,000.00
$11,500.00
Expansion and Upgrade
Total
$226,620.00
Ineligible Costs
Summary
Task
Value
$6,750.00
$44,130.00
CPE radios (45)
Existing Network Capital
Comment
$50,880.00
Network Engineering (240 hrs)
Tower & POP Installation (25 days;
$65/hr)
Server/router install & config (10
days; $135/hr)
CPE Installation ( 45@6hr each)
Operations support (1hr/dayx7 mo.)
IC Grant Application preparation
$32,400.00
donation
$13,000.00
donation
$10,800.00
donation
$17,550.00
$28,350.00
$16,200.00
donation
donation
donation
$118,300.00
Total Value
$169,180.00
Existing Capital
Gun Lake Community
Gun Lake POP
$33,590.00
T1 Tranceivers
High Gain
WAN Router
Server 1
Server 2
Server 3
Management Computer
Test Computer
Monitors, KBs, mouse, KVM
Network Switch (WAN)
Cisco
Apple
Apple
Apple
Generic
Apple
Cisco 3745-10-2FE
Xserve G5 (used)
Xserve G5 (used)
Xserve G5 (used)
Rackmount PC
PowerMac G4
Nortel
Baystack 450-24T
Broadband Canada
16
Telus
supplied
Telus
supplied
$1,400.00
$1,400.00
$1,400.00
$350.00
$40.00
$200.00
$400.00
Minto Communications Society
Network Switch (LAN)
Power Distribution Unit
Power & Network Distribution Panel
Equipment Rack, cable ducting
Minto Repeater Backhaul
McLean Bridge Radio
Access Point Radio
Access Point Antenna
Tower (without installation)
Nortel
APC
Custom
Baystack 450-24T
AP7900
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Trylon
TR-FDD-24GTf
TR-5a-24f
TR-6600f
TR-OD24-12
Titan T400 80'
$400.00
$500.00
$200.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
$300.00
$300.00
$80.00
$16,100.00
$25,070.00
McLean AP
POP Bridge Radio
Access Point Radio
Mounting hardware & cabling
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
TR-5a-24f
TR-6015f
$300.00
$300.00
$100.00
$700.00
Watkins AP
Minto Bridge Radio
Access Point Radio
Access Point Antenna
Mounting hardware & cabling
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
TR-5plus-24f
TR-6600f
TR-OD24-12
$350.00
$300.00
$80.00
$100.00
$830.00
Reed Hill AP
Watkins Bridge Radio
Access Point Radio
Access Point Antenna
Mounting hardware & cabling
Tower (without installation)
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
TR-6019f
TR-6600f
TR-OD24-12
Rohn
25G 70' (used)
$300.00
$300.00
$80.00
$50.00
$1,500.00
$2,230.00
Moskven AP
POP Bridge Radio
Access Point Radio
Mounting hardware & cabling
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
TR-SL2-15f
TR-6015f
$150.00
$300.00
$100.00
$550.00
Murray AP
POP Bridge Radio
Access Point Radio
Mounting hardware & cabling
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
TR-SL2-15f
TR-6015f
$150.00
$300.00
$100.00
$550.00
Blakeney AP
Watkins Bridge Radio
Access Point Radio
Access Point Antenna
Mounting hardware & cabling
Broadband Canada
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
17
TR-SL2-15f
TR-6600f
TR-OD24-12
$150.00
$300.00
$80.00
$100.00
Minto Communications Society
$630.00
Spares
Network Switch
Backhaul Radio
Bridge Radio
Bridge Radio
Bridge Radio
Access Point Radio
Access Point Radio
Access Point Antenna
Nortel
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Baystack 450-24T
TR-FDD-24GTf
TR-5a-24f
TR-5plus-24f
TR-6019f
TR-6600f
TR-6015f
TR-OD24-12
$400.00
$1,000.00
$300.00
$350.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$80.00
$3,030.00
Tyaughton Lake Community
Minto Repeater/AP
Management Computer
Monitor, KB, mouse
Network Switch
Power Distribution Unit
Power & Network Distribution Panel
POP Backhaul
Tyax Bridge Radio
Watkins Bridge Radio
Gold Bridge Bridge Radio
Access Point Radio
Access Point Antenna
$5,310.00
Generic
Rackmount PC
Nortel
APC
Custom
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Baystack 450-24T
APC AP7900
$400.00
$100.00
$400.00
$500.00
$200.00
$1,000.00
$300.00
$350.00
$350.00
$300.00
$80.00
TR-FDD-24GTf
TR-5a-24f
TR-5plus-24f
TR-5plus-24f
TR-6600f
TR-OD24-12
$3,980.00
Ryba AP
Minto Bridge Radio
Access Point Radio
Mounting hardware & cabling
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
TR-SL2-15f
TR-6015f
$150.00
$300.00
$100.00
$550.00
Tyax Lodge AP
Minto Bridge Radio
Access Point Radio
Access Point Antenna
Mounting hardware & cabling
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
TR-5a-24f
TR-6600f
TR-OD24-12
$300.00
$300.00
$80.00
$100.00
$780.00
Gold Bridge Community
Gold Bridge AP
Minto Bridge Radio
Access Point Radio
Access Point Antenna
Mounting hardware & cabling
$830.00
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
Tranzeo
TR-5plus-24f
TR-6600f
TR-OD24-12
Minto Communications Shack
$350.00
$300.00
$80.00
$100.00
$4,400.00
Current System
Total
$44,130.00
See XLS spreadsheet on CD.
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Minto Communications Society
SCHEDULE 5
TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTION
The Minto Communications Society Network
Executive Summary
The Minto Communications Society's high-speed data network has been in operation for
approximately one year. During that period, the network has supported up to 50 residential and
5 commercial subscribers. The system has been reliable and stable after some initial startup
issues.
The present coverage area includes Gun Lake, Tyaughton Lake, Lajoie Lake, and Hess Road.
There are some dark areas within these locations which will require remediation. The town of
Gold Bridge is nominally connected but is actually under a test program and is not currently fully
serviced. Full service will require infrastructure improvements.
The Society’s mandate is to further extend service to the communities of Bralorne and Gun
Creek Road.
Servicing the Upper Bridge River Valley is extremely difficult and costly due to the mountainous
terrain, dense forest coverage, and highly dispersed populace.
The MintoComm network is based on WiFi wireless technology to bring “last mile” connectivity
to end users. The MCS has chosen Tranzeo Wireless Technologies as its primary radio
supplier. Their product has proven to be highly reliable yet very cost effective. In addition they
are a local Canadian manufacturer. Technical and sales support are also excellent.
The network has a central Point-of-Presence at Gun Lake and a series of repeaters and access
points strategically located amongst the region for delivery to each household or business. The
MCS has delivered excellent service on a minimum budget; no funding has been received from
the Provincial or Federal governments. However, additional towers, repeaters, access points,
and software will be required to extend coverage and improve bandwidth management
capabilities.
MintoComm servers currently provide 1.0 Mbps download and 500 kbps speeds to residential
subscribers and 1.5 Mbps download and 500 kbps upload speeds to commercial clients. These
are baseline data rates and can be increased to greater speeds if the subscriber wishes to
engage a higher level plan. Providing increased speed is not a network technical problem as
MintoComm’s ISP, Telus, has the capacity to provide higher speed and bandwidth. Cost and
quality of service to all subscribers during busy hour peaks are the primary issues.
Telus currently provides a total internet burst speed of 6 Mbps, half duplex, with four T1 circuits.
Aggregate connection to the internet is controlled by MintoComm’s traffic shaping strategy.
Using bandwidth control, under peak conditions the connection to the internet has not been
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Minto Communications Society
stressed anywhere close to its limit. The capacity is projected to be sufficient for the near to
medium future; however, peak-hour traffic loading is a concern as the subscriber base grows.
The major weakness in the MintoComm network is with BC Hydro utility power. In this rural
environment, regular power outages regularly occur. This is recognized and the MCS will
address the issue once funds become available. The purchase of multiple UPSs and backup
generators is a high priority.
Some remote repeaters and access points will require an off-grid power source. The MCS will
be implementing solar or wind generation, or a combination of the two, for these sites.
To date, donated engineering services and volunteer general labour has been used to design
and build the network and to install CPE radios. As the Society and network grows, there will be
a need to employ people in technical support and administrative capacities. Installation work will
also need to be contracted out.
Current System Description
Map of the Bridge River Valley, Gold Bridge
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Minto Communications Society
The Minto Communications Society’s (MCS) high-speed digital communications network serves
the communities of the Upper Bridge River Valley. Those communities are centred around, and
include, the town of Gold Bridge, BC. They are comprised of Gun Lake, Lajoie (Little Gun) Lake,
Tyaughton Lake, Gun Creek Road, and Bralorne.
Due to the extremely mountainous terrain and widely dispersed population, the most practical
and cost effective method for delivering ”last mile” connectivity to potential subscribers is
through wireless radio technology. To accomplish this, the MCS chose to build a network using
WiFi rather than the newer WiMax technology. WiMax is currently not widely deployed, is
unproven, and expensive in comparison to WiFi. WiFi in contrast is mature, has a proven track
record, is easy to deploy, and is inexpensive. The frequency spectrum used by WiMax also
requires licensing whereas the WiFi frequency spectrum does not.
The current MintoComm system consists of a communications building with a main broadcast
tower and a series of radio repeaters and access points.
Gun Lake was selected to be the location of the Point-of-Presence (POP). The major
consideration was the fact that the majority of the general population in the BRV is concentrated
around Gun Lake. A secondary, but very important, consideration was the need to easily access
the POP equipment in a timely manner whenever required.
A communications building housing Telus’ equipment and MintoComm networking equipment
has been built on high ground, on the east side of Gun Lake, roughly mid way between the north
and south ends.
MintoComm’s Internet Service Provider (ISP) is Telus Communications. Telus provides a
subsidized connection to the Minto Communications Society through a NetworkBC/Telus
Connecting Communities Agreement (CCA). The MCS elected for the Carrier Internet Managed
Service under this agreement.
The Carrier Internet Managed Service is provisioned in accordance with IP addressing and
routing standards.
Carrier Internet Managed Service provides a bundled E6 access and 2 Mbps of Internet service.
The E6 is comprised of four 1.54Mbps T1 circuits terminating in a Telus supplied Cisco 374510-2FE Router. The Cisco router is designated as the Customer Interface Unit (CIU) and is
equipped with one 10/100BaseT port connected to MintoComm's Local Area Network (LAN)
equipment. The service demarcation is at the interface port on the CIU. Telus is responsible for
the installation and management of the service up to and including the service demarcation.
From Telus’ Cisco router, the Ethernet connection is connected to a Nortel BayStack 450-24T
network Switch. This switch supports connection to three Apple Xserve G5 Servers, a rack
mount management PC, and an APC remote power distribution unit.
The three Xserve Servers are identically configured. They have dual 2.3GHz G5 CPUs and 2GB
of ECC memory. The operating system is Mac OS X Leopard and is loaded on an 80GB
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Minto Communications Society
mirrored RAID array. There is an additional 80GB drive which automatically stores hourly, daily,
weekly, and monthly backups of the RAID.
The primary server acts as the network gateway, router, firewall with bandwidth shaping, DHCP
server, and primary DNS server. Servers 2 and 3 host the secondary and tertiary DNS servers
respectively. Both units act as backups to the primary server. Either one can be easily and
quickly brought into service if the primary server fails.
The APC power distribution unit allows for remote power cycling and monitoring of select
servers and radio transceivers. In case any of the controlled devices becomes unresponsive to
network control and requires rebooting, it can be performed through this device.
The rack mount management PC is a standby unit for utility purposes only. It serves no
operational duties.
After the gateway server, another Nortel BayStack 450-24T network switch provides connection
to a variety of devices. These include three Tranzeo radio transceivers for distribution
throughout the MintoComm network.
There is currently an 80’ tower adjacent to the communications building to elevate the radio
transceivers above the surrounding forest. The tower hosts a Tranzeo TR-6600, 2.4GHz access
point radio with a 12dB omnidirectional antenna to service the majority of the north-west side
and north end of Gun Lake. Line-of-sight issues and heavy forestation require that there be a
number of repeater sites strategically located around the lake to ensure adequate coverage.
The south end of Gun Lake, Lajoie Lake, and Hess Road are currently serviced in this manner.
Since the Gun Lake POP site is also the main distribution point of the MintoComm network,
there are a number of bridging radios linking the other communities and repeaters to the Telus
internet feed. The main link is a high bandwidth Tranzeo TR-FDD-24GT, 5.8 GHz full duplex
radio feeding the former Minto TV repeater site near Tyaughton Lake. It connects to a matching
radio at the Minto Repeater and provides a 54 Mbps bidirectional link. Real throughputs of up to
28 Mbps can be achieved on this link.
A Tranzeo TR-5a-24, 5.8GHz bridge radio links to the McLean access point.
The Minto repeater links the Tyaughton Lake community, the south end of Gun Lake, and to the
town of Gold Bridge. Each of these areas has a central access point which provides subscriber
access. In some cases, additional local repeaters have been added to fill in difficult to reach
pockets.
An interim downlink from the Minto repeater is received at the Gold Bridge Library. There is
currently a temporary mast mounted to the library roof with a Tranzeo TR-5plus-24, 5.8 GHz
bridge radio attached. Line-of-sight issues require that this configuration be replaced with a
tower to clear a mid path obstruction from Minto. The height required is approximately 50’ above
the library parking lot or 30’ above the library rooftop. Gold Bridge is currently being tested for
radio coverage with a Tranzeo TR-6600, 2.4 GHz access point radio with a 12dB
omnidirectional antenna.
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Minto Communications Society
One of the downlinks from the Minto repeater connects to the Tyax Lodge at the North end of
Tyaughton Lake. As a major commercial subscriber, the Tyax Lodge and its associate company,
TLH Heliskiing, require a high bandwidth feed which this connection provides. The lodge also
hosts an access point for the surrounding area using this feed. A similar downlink/access point
arrangement is also implemented at the South end of Tyaughton Lake at the Ryba site.
Network Expansion and Upgrade
Generic Layout
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Minto Communications Society
Gun Lake Service Area
The Gun Lake service area consists of Gun Lake, Lajoie (Little Gun) Lake, Hess Road, and surrounding
area.
Internet connectivity originates from the MintoComm POP on the East side of Gun Lake, slightly North of
the mid point of the lake. A Tranzeo TR-6600, 2.4 GHz access point radio is located here that serves
subscribers on the middle-West and north-west shore of Gun Lake.
The POP sources a Tranzeo TR-5a-24, 5.8 GHz bridge radio link to the McLean site. This site hosts a
Tranzeo TR-6015, 2.4 GHz access point radio to serve the North-East sector of Gun Lake.
The Watkins site currently hosts a Tranzeo TR-6600, 2.4 GHz access point, with a 12dB omnidirectional
antenna, that services the majority of the southern end of Gun Lake. This AP is currently fed from the
POP via the Minto Repeater through a Tranzeo TR-5plus-24, 5.8 GHz radio link. It is proposed to replace
this interim link with a direct feed from the POP site using a pair of Tranzeo TR-5a-24, 5.8 GHz radios.
This would necessitate extending the POP tower from its present 80’ height to 100’ to obtain a clear lineof-sight. Raising the tower will also extend the coverage of the western shore of Gun Lake, further to the
South, thus filling in a poorly serviced area.
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Minto Communications Society
Two other access points are planned at the Mount Zorba and Flag Lookout sites. They will be off-grid
and powered by solar and/or wind generation. Towers in the 60'-80' height range are required at these
sites to clear the surrounding forest. Tranzeo TR-5a-24, 5.8 GHz bridge radio links will feed both sites
from the POP.
The Flag Lookout site will offer subscriber coverage to the South, South-East, and mid Gun Lake
locations with a Tranzeo TR-6015, 2.4 GHz access point radio. The Flag Lookout will also act as a
repeater to relay a data link to the Reed Hill access point.
Mount Zorba’s primary function will be as an access point to the Gun Creek Road service area to the
North-East. Its secondary roll will be as an access point to service the greater part of the East side of
Gun Lake.
The Zorba and Flag access points will add redundancy and allow the decommissioning of two interim
repeaters located at subscribers’ residences at the Moskven and Robinson locations.
The Reed Hill site consists of a 70’ tower hosting a Tranzeo TR-6600, 2.4 GHz access point radio with a
12dB omnidirectional antenna. This site is currently fed from the Watkin’s access point 2.4 GHz
subscriber signal. This is not ideal and, as noted, the feed will be upgraded to a 5.8 GHz link from the
Flag Lookout repeater. Reed Hill services subscribers in the Lajoie Lake, Hess Road, and surrounding
area.
Geographical Locations
MintoComm POP
McLean
Watkins
Mount Zorba
Flag Lookout
Reed Hill
50°52'25.01"N
50°53'18.09"N
50°51'07.70"N
50°53'56.05"N
50°52'44.28"N
50°50'12.15"N
122°51'47.44"W 921m
122°50'59.35"W 885m
122°54'17.50"W 885m
122°52'23.26"W 1418m
122°53'35.52"W 1115m
122°53'55.38"W 957m
Expansion & Upgrade Equipment List
Gun Lake Service Area
Internet Subscriber Server
Bandwidth Shaping Appliance
Network Management Software
Uninterruptable Power Supply
Backup Generator
Power Distribution Unit
Tower height extension
Bridge Radios
Access Point Radios
Solar Panels
Charge Controller
Deep Cycle Batteries
Equipment Housing
Mounting hardware & cabling
Service Truck Acquisition
$2,500.00
$3,000.00
$2,500.00
$4,100.00
$5,000.00
$500.00
$5,000.00
$1,200.00
$600.00
$2,600.00
$600.00
$4,000.00
$2,000.00
$100.00
$10,000
Completion of Communication Shack
Tower
$1,500
$25,000.00
Total:$70,200.00
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Minto Communications Society
Gold Bridge Service Area
The Gold Bridge service area consists of Gold Bridge and surrounding area.
Gold Bridge currently receives a temporary, interim feed directly from the Minto Repeater site. The Minto
Repeater receives its main feed from a high bandwidth backhaul link from the MintoComm POP. This is
accomplished with a pair of Tranzeo TR-FDD-24GT full duplex, 5.8 GHz backhaul radios.
A Tranzeo TR-5plus-24, 5.8 GHz bridge radio link carries internet feed down from the Minto Repeater to
a temporary mast located on the roof of the Gold Bridge Community Building (Library). This link is
handicapped by a mid path obstruction roughly located to the east of Plateau Pond and south of Gun
Creek. It is a ridge with heavy forest coverage. The effect of this obstruction is reduced data rate and low
RF signal margin. This link has the further potential for degradation in the winter due to snow
accumulation on the forested ridge.
Attached to the same mast as the bridge radio is a Tranzeo TR-6600, 2.4GHz access point radio with a
12dB omnidirectional antenna. This AP is currently capable of servicing subscribers nearby but is not of
sufficient height to cover the broader Gold Bridge service area. A planned tower of 50'-80', located on the
Library roof, will provide the necessary height to address this deficiency.
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Minto Communications Society
To increase the reliability and speed of the Minto Repeater downlink for Gold Bridge, a new repeater is
planned for the Lajoie Dam site. This site has a clear line-of-sight to the Minto Repeater unlike the
Library mast. The Library end of the current Minto radio downlink will be moved to Lajoie and a new
bridge link establish from Lajoie to the Library. This new link will be a pair of Tranzeo TR-5a-24, 5.8 GHz
bridge radios.
In an additional role, Lajoie will host a Tranzeo TR-6600, 2.4GHz access point radio with a 12dB
omnidirectional antenna. This AP will service BC Hydro, the Gold Bridge Community Hall, and
subscribers across the Hurley River from Gold Bridge. There is also a potential need for service to a
Ledcor construction site further up Downton Lake in the near future.
Geographical Locations
MintoComm POP
Minto Repeater
Gold Bridge Library
Lajoie Dam
Obstruction
50°52'25.01"N
50°55'46.65"N
50°51'09.73"N
50°50'20.06"N
50°53'55.71"N
122°51'47.44"W
122°46'48.20"W
122°50'14.19"W
122°51'27.52"W
122°47'40.82"W
921m
1094m
667m
741m
981m
Expansion & Upgrade Equipment List
Gold Bridge Service Area
Uninterruptable Power Supplies
Bridge Radios
Access Point Radio
Access Point Antenna
Equipment Cabinet
Mounting hardware & cabling
Tower
$1,600.00
$600.00
$300.00
$80.00
$500.00
$100.00
$25,000.00
Total:$28,180.00
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Minto Communications Society
Tyaughton Lake Service Area
The Tyaughton Lake service area consists of Tyaughton Lake and surrounding area.
Tyaughton Lake is currently served with three access points. One is hosted at the Minto
Repeater at the South end, another at the Tyax Lodge at the North end, and a third at the Ryba
site for fill-in duty.
The Ryba site hosts a Tranzeo TR-6015, 2.4 GHz access point radio. The other two AP sites
utilize Tranzeo TR-6600, 2.4 GHz access point radios, with 12dB omnidirectional antennas for
subscriber access. These three access points do not currently provide full coverage of
Tyaughton Lake.
The Minto Repeater receives its main feed from a high bandwidth backhaul link from the
MintoComm POP. This is accomplished with a pair of Tranzeo TR-FDD-24GT full duplex, 5.8
GHz backhaul radios.
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Minto Communications Society
The Tyax Lodge AP is linked to the Minto Repeater with a pair of Tranzeo TR-5a-24, 5.8 GHz
bridge radios.
To complete the coverage of Tyaughton Lake, the Tyaughton East repeater is planned to serve
the majority of the West shore and valley. This site will use the same type of radio equipment as
the Tyax Lodge AP, both bridge and access point. A 50'-80' tower will be required at this site to
clear the surrounding forest. This site will be off-grid and powered by solar and/or wind
generation.
Geographical Locations
MintoComm POP
Minto Repeater
Tyax Lodge AP
Tyax East AP
Ryba AP
50°52'25.01"N
50°55'46.65"N
50°57'07.51"N
50°56'48.80"N
50°56'15.92"N
122°51'47.44"W
122°46'48.20"W
122°46'22.06"W
122°45'54.82"W
122°47'02.50"W
921m
1094m
1016m
1231m
1044m
Expansion & Upgrade Equipment List
Tyaughton Lake Service Area
Uninterruptable Power Supplies
Backup Generator
Power Distribution Unit
Bridge Radios
Access Point Radio
Access Point Antenna
Solar Panels
Charge Controller
Deep Cycle Batteries
Equipment Housing
Mounting hardware & cabling
Tower
$4,100.00
$5,000.00
$500.00
$950.00
$300.00
$80.00
$1,300.00
$300.00
$2,000.00
$1,000.00
$50.00
$25,000.00
Total:$40,580.00
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Minto Communications Society
Gun Creek Road Service Area
The Gun Creek Road service area consists of a string of properties aligned in a linear string
nestled within the Gun Creek valley.
Preliminary radio and visual surveys have confirmed the viability of bringing service to this locale
from the Mount Zorba site.
Mount Zorba's primary function will be as an access point to the Gun Creek Road service area.
Subscriber service will be provided with a Tranzeo TR-6619, 2.4 GHz access point radio.
Zorba's secondary role will be as an access point to service parts of the east side of Gun Lake.
Mount Zorba will be off-grid and powered by solar and/or wind generation. A tower in the 60'-80'
height range is required at this site to clear the surrounding forest. A Tranzeo TR-5a-24, 5.8GHz
bridge radio link will feed the site from the POP.
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Minto Communications Society
Geographical Locations
MintoComm POP
Mount Zorba
Gun Creek Road
50°52'25.01"N
50°53'56.05"N
50°54'54.24"N
122°51'47.44"W
122°52'23.26"W
122°47'53.17"W
921m
1418m
857m
Expansion & Upgrade Equipment List
Gun Creek Road Service Area
Bridge Radios
Access Point Radio
Solar Panels
Charge Controller
Deep Cycle Batteries
Equipment Housing
Tower
$600.00
$350.00
$1,300.00
$300.00
$2,000.00
$1,000.00
$25,000.00
$30,550.00
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Minto Communications Society
Bralorne Service Area
The Bralorne service area consists of Bralorne and surrounding area. It is separated into
roughly two zones, North and South.
Two access points will be required to service the separate zones. One will be located at the
Bralorne Firehall and the other, Bralorne North, will be located on a community TV repeater site
on a hill at the northern end of the northern zone. Both sites will require 50'-80' towers to clear
surrounding trees and other obstructions. Tranzeo TR-6600, 2.4 GHz access point radios with
12dB omnidirectional antennas will broadcast to subscribers from each site.
The two AP sites will be link together with a pair of Tranzeo TR-5a-24, 5.8 GHz bridge radios.
Internet service for Bralorne will be provided from the MintoComm POP via the Minto Repeater
and linked to the Bralorne North AP. A Tranzeo TR-5plus-24, 5.8 GHz bridge radio link will
supply this bridge.
The Bralorne North AP will be off-grid and powered by solar and/or wind generation
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Minto Communications Society
The Minto Repeater receives its main feed from a high bandwidth backhaul link from the
MintoComm POP. This is accomplished with a pair of Tranzeo TR-FDD-24GT full duplex, 5.8
GHz backhaul radios.
Geographical Locations
MintoComm POP
Minto Repeater
Bralorne Firehall
Bralorne North
50°52'25.01"N
50°55'46.65"N
50°46'24.75"N
50°47'06.38"N
122°51'47.44"W
122°46'48.20"W
122°48'43.41"W
122°49'26.48"W
921m
1094m
1042m
1221m
Expansion & Upgrade Equipment List
Bralorne Service Area
Uninterruptable Power Supply
Minto Repeater Bridge Radio
Access Point Radio
Access Point Antenna
Solar Panels
Charge Controller
Deep Cycle Batteries
Equipment Housing
Tower
$800.00
$950.00
$600.00
$160.00
$1,300.00
$300.00
$2,000.00
$1,000.00
$50,000.00
Total:$57,110.00
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Minto Communications Society
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Task List & Schedule
Task
Duration
Man
Days
@8hrs
Cost
Start
Finish
Eligible Labour Costs
Detailed Engineering Design; Feb 2010; $135/hr
22 days
43.0
$ 46,440.00
01 Feb '10
02 Mar '10
191.5 days
10.0
$10,800.00
27 Dec '09
14 Jul '10
Network Engineering Design & System
Configuration
22 days
0.0
01 Feb '10
02 Mar '10
Gold Bridge Detailed Design & Config.; 1 buiding
tower
2 days
2.0
$2,160.00
01 Feb '10
02 Feb '10
Gun Lake Detailed Design & Config.; POP & 2 towers
6 days
9.0
$9,720.00
03 Feb '10
10 Feb '10
Tyaughton Lake Detailed Design & Config.; Repeater
site & 1 tower
5 days
7.0
$7,560.00
11 Feb '10
17 Feb '10
Gun Creek Rd Detailed Design & Config.; 1 solar
tower
4 days
6.0
$6,480.00
18 Feb '10
23 Feb '10
Bralorne Detailed Design & Config.; 2 towers
5 days
9.0
$9,720.00
24 Feb '10
02 Mar '10
Implementation Phase; March 2010; $65/hr
115 days
146.0
$ 75,920.00
01 Mar '10
23 Jun '10
Gold Bridge (new)
21 days
9.0
$ 4,680.00
01 Mar '10
21 Mar '10
Order tower
Install tower on Library
Install radios
Gold Bridge turn-up
1 day
2 days
1 day
0 days
0.5
6
2.5
0
01 Mar '10
19 Mar '10
21 Mar '10
21 Mar '10
Gun Lake (upgrade)
75 days
38.5
Completion of Communications shack
Acquisition of service truck
4 days
1 day
Perform detailed RF survey Flag Lookout
2 days
6
30 Apr '10
Finalize tower location
2 days
2
02 May '10
01 Mar '10
20 Mar '10
21 Mar '10
21 Mar '10
14 May
'10
06 Mar '10
03 Mar '10
01 May
'10
03 May
'10
1.5 days
1
01 Mar '10
Install Flag Lookout tower
4 days
10
06 May '10
Install solar power system & radio; Flag
2 days
5
10 May '10
Gun Lake Flag Lookout tower turn-up
0 days
0
11 May '10
Re-survey RF survey Reed Hill
1 day
2
12 May '10
Install solar power system & radio; Reed Hill (tower in
place)
2 days
3
13 May '10
Gun Lake Reed Hill Solar turn-up
0 days
0
14 May '10
Order POP equipment upgrades
Install POP equipment upgrades
2 days
2.67 days
1.5
8
04 Mar '10
28 Mar '10
09 May
'10
11 May
'10
11 May
'10
12 May
'10
14 May
'10
14 May
'10
05 Mar '10
30 Mar '10
0 days
0
14 May '10
14 May
Project Management
Order tower; Flag Lookout; Order solar power Flag &
Reed Hill
Finish Gun Lake upgrades
Broadband Canada
40
$ 20,020.00
01 Mar '10
01 Mar '10
03 Mar '10
02 Mar '10
'10
Tyaughton Lake (upgrade)
105 days
31.0
Perform detailed RF survey; East tower
2 days
Finalize tower location
Order tower & solar power; Tyax East
Install tower; Tyax East
Install radios & solar power; Tyax east
Tyax East Tower turn-up
2 days
1.5 days
4 days
1 day
0 days
01 Mar '10
13 Jun '10
6
05 Jun '10
06 Jun '10
2
1
10
2.5
0
07 Jun '10
01 Mar '10
09 Jun '10
13 Jun '10
13 Jun '10
08 Jun '10
02 Mar '10
12 Jun '10
13 Jun '10
13 Jun '10
2 days
4 days
0 days
1.5
8
0
13 Mar '10
06 Apr '10
13 Jun '10
14 Mar '10
09 Apr '10
13 Jun '10
101.5 days
23.5
01 Mar '10
Perform detailed RF survey
2 days
6
30 May '10
Finalize tower location
Order tower; Mt. Zorba
2 days
1 day
2
0.5
01 Jun '10
01 Mar '10
10 Jun '10
31 May
'10
02 Jun '10
01 Mar '10
Install tower; Mt. Zorba
Install solar power system & radio
Gun Creek Tower turn-up
5 days
2.5 days
0 days
10
5
0
03 Jun '10
08 Jun '10
10 Jun '10
07 Jun '10
10 Jun '10
10 Jun '10
Bralorne (new)
Order Minto repeater site equipment upgrades
Install Minto repeater site equipment upgrades
Finish Tyax upgrades
Gun Creek Rd. (new)
$ 16,120.00
$ 12,220.00
115 days
44.0
01 Mar '10
23 Jun '10
Perform detailed RF survey; 2 towers Bralorne
Finalize 2 tower locations
Order Firehall tower
3 days
1 day
1 day
10
2.5
0.5
27 Apr '10
30 Apr '10
01 Mar '10
Install Firehall tower; BC Hydro Power
2 days
8
24 May '10
Firehall tower installed
0 days
0
25 May '10
Install Hydro from Firehall
1 day
2
26 May '10
Install radios on Firehall tower
1 day
2.5
27 May '10
Order Mines tower
1 day
0.5
01 Mar '10
Install Mines tower; solar powered
3 days
10
21 May '10
Mines Tower installed
0 days
0
23 May '10
Install solar power system & radios; Mines Tower
2 days
5
24 May '10
Bralorne turn-up
Reconfigure system IP network
0 days
3 days
0
3
01 Mar '10
21 Jun '10
29 Apr '10
30 Apr '10
01 Mar '10
25 May
'10
25 May
'10
26 May
'10
27 May
'10
01 Mar '10
23 May
'10
23 May
'10
25 May
'10
01 Mar '10
23 Jun '10
Full Implementation to all 5 BRV Communities
0 days
0
14 Jul '10
14 Jul '10
Broadband Canada
41
$ 22,880.00
SCHEDULE 6
SUSTAINABILITY
Profile & Business History
Minto Communications Society (MCS) is a Not for Profit organization established to bring the high
speed internet to the Upper Bridge River Valley in British Columbia. The Society was incorporated in July
2008 and is the official ISP for the remote communities of Gold Bridge, Gun Lake, Tyaughton Lake, Gun
Creek Road, and Bralorne, B.C. MCS is committed to provide high quality high speed internet to the five
communities at the most competitive rate. Our business plan is to build the infrastructure using grants
and donations as we successfully obtain them. Subscription revenues will be used to further improve
quality of service and maintain a reliable service upon which local businesses can rely and build upon.
With a gross revenue of $26,760 in the first year of operation, MCS currently provides high speed
internet service to 34 residential and 5 commercial subscribers, mostly at Gun Lake and Tyaughton
Lake. MCS’s mandate is to connect all 5 communities within three years of operation, pending on
available funding.
In its first year, MCS has benefited from community members providing interest free loans and
volunteering their time. Other sources of seed money came from local commercial operators and The
Squamish Lillooet Regional District.
The Future
Future revenue is expected from various sources, such as tourism, and commercial ventures. The Upper
Bridge River Valley is a potential haven for tourism and recreational activities. Located only 2 hours from
the host city of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler, and 4 hours from Vancouver, B.C. it has great
potential for economic growth. About 400 recreational enthusiasts owning properties and businesses call
this rugged and mountainous terrain their home away from home. Snowmobile enthusiasts, backpackers,
horse back riders, motorized and human powered cyclists, and extreme sports enthusiasts all access this
year round recreational wilderness.
Beside tourism in the region, commercial activities include an active gold mine operating in the
community of Bralorne, and one of BC Hydro’s electric generating plant at the Lajoie dam. An
Independent Power Producer (I.P.P.) hydro electric generating project is about to break ground. Ledcor
Development will provide economic stimulus for the entire valley for the next 5 years. These commercial
ventures along with the 200+ potential subscribers are the target market for MCS.
As more funding enables more growth, MCS will accommodate connectivity demands by the local hotels,
pubs, and tour operators. MCS is currently providing service to 39 subscribers at the underserved
communities of Gun Lake and Tyaughton Lake. As funding is acquired, MCS will improve the reliability
and quality of signal, and upgrade the throughput to meet the Broadband requirements at these
communities. Additional funding is also required to connect the unserved communities of Gold Bridge,
Gun Creek Road and Bralorne. Additional funding through grants is needed to supplement the current
subscription rate of $45/month to realize the projected timeline of 3 years to provide Broadband
connectivity to these three communities.
Federal and Provincial funding will go towards capital expenditures to connect all five communities within
three years. The projected revenues from subscribers will be used to manage the network, administrate
the business, marketing promotions, and expand our network. Some of the new services proposed in the
future are Internet Hotspots, joint promotional web sites for the hospitality and tourism industry, and
strategic use of infrastructure for the Provincial Emergency Network. MCS will host designated Hotspots
Broadband Canada
42
where visitors can log into the network with prepaid access. Internet Café style facilities can be
established for possible long term workers in the area, as expected with the proposed IPP project.
Websites promoting the region could also host a reservation system for the many hotels, resorts, Bed &
Breakfasts, and tour operators in the Upper Bridge River Valley. This will benefit the hospitality industry
with increased occupancy and traffic. MCS is also committed to connect the Upper Bridge River Valley to
the Provincial Emergency Network system. Local area residents and visitor can be apprised of
emergency broadcasts.
The Internet for Education Program
The ultimate mandate of MCS is to provide free internet to households with school aged children when
funds become available. As a Not For Profit Society, MCS is actively soliciting for donations and grants
towards this cause. When the Society is able meet its mandates and has surplus revenue, MCS intends
to help the community through The Internet for Education program.
Scalability
MCS currently manages an E6 (or 4 x T1 copper lines) internet feed through Telus. Scalability is built into
the current network design, with the main feed from Telus being the single source. MCS’s infrastructure
will require expansion when future demands are realized, but for the current and 5 year projected
subscriber base, it is sufficient. Due to the recreational nature of this valley, the projected subscribers in
4 years are only about double (78) of the current number of subscribers with a marginal increase for
commercial operators. MCS network use is currently at less than 10% burst capacity of 6 Mbps. At this
juncture, there is little indication that future capacity is in jeopardy.
Broadband Canada
43
Financial Model (2009)
Minto Communications Society
Gold Bridge, BC
Year 1
(actual)
Year 2
(estimate)
# of Residential Subscribers
# of Commercial Subscribers
34
5
Revenue - annual
Residential subscription ( $45/mth ) $
Commercial subscription ( $100/mth )$
Commercial subscription ( $150/mth )$
Year 3
(estimate)
44
6
Year 4
(estimate)
54
8
Year 5
(estimate)
60
8
70
8
18,360
1,200
7,200
$
$
$
23,760
2,400
7,200
$
$
$
29,160
2,400
10,800
$
$
$
32,400
2,400
10,800
$
$
$
37,800
2,400
10,800
Gross Revenue
$
26,760
$
33,360
$
42,360
$
45,600
$
51,000
Cost of Sales
$
9,750
$
2,750
$
3,000
$
1,500
$
1,500
Gross Margin
$
17,010
$
30,610
$
39,360
$
44,100
$
49,500
Loan repayment
Personal loans
$
-
$
2,000
$
3,500
$
3,500
$
3,500
Advertising, Website & Promotion
Auto - Fuel
Auto - Maintenance
Auto - Insurance
Bank Charges & Interest
Contract Labor
Contract Network Administrator
Contract Office Administrator
Dues, Subscriptions & Host fees
Equipment Rental
Installation Labour
Liability Insurance
Licenses, Permits & Filing Fees
Miscellaneous
Office Supplies
Postage and Delivery
Printing and Reproduction
Professional Devt Expense
Telus Network Charges
Professional Fees
Accounting Fees
Consulting Expense
Legal Fees
Rent - Facilities
Rent - Land Tenure
Repairs and Maintenance
Building Repairs
Computer Repairs
Equipment Repairs
Utilities - Electricity
Contingency
$
$
$
$
$
$
500
2,000
250
800
300
600
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
250
500
1,000
150
200
500
50
100
500
3,600
500
500
500
500
100
150
150
400
400
1,200
500
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,000
2,500
1,500
800
350
2,500
2,500
2,500
300
500
1,000
1,350
150
400
500
50
100
500
3,600
500
500
500
500
100
1,500
150
150
400
400
1,400
400
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,000
2,500
1,500
800
450
2,500
5,500
5,500
350
500
1,000
1,500
150
600
500
50
100
500
3,600
500
500
500
500
100
2,000
150
150
400
400
1,600
400
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,000
2,500
1,500
800
450
3,000
7,500
7,500
350
500
1,000
1,500
150
600
500
50
100
500
3,600
500
500
500
500
100
2,000
150
150
400
400
1,700
400
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,000
2,500
2,000
800
450
3,000
10,000
10,000
350
500
1,000
1,500
150
600
500
50
100
500
3,600
500
500
500
500
100
2,000
150
150
400
400
1,700
400
Gross Expenses
$
16,200
$
28,600
$
35,800
$
40,400
$
45,900
60
$
200
Ongoing Operating Expenses - annual
6000
6008
6010
6015
6050
6070
6072
6075
6100
6120
6160
6202
6230
6300
6410
6412
6414
6510
6515
6550
6552
6554
6556
6560
6565
6580
6582
6584
6586
6610
6999
Income less expenses
$
810
$
10
$
$
100
Capital Expenditures
1210
1230
1250
1270
1280
1300
Computers & Servers
Communications Shack
Radios & wireless comp.
Tower - other
Tower - PoP
Service Truck
$
$
$
$
$
Total capital expenditures
$
Broadband Canada
5,600
4,400
17,030
1,000
16,100
44,130
$
$
$
$
10,500
1,000
90,000
150,000
$
10,000
$
261,500
44
$
$
$
$
500
36,980
50,000
$
$
$
$
-
$
$
$
$
-
$
87,480
$
-
$
-
SCHEDULE 7
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
7.1 PROJECT MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW
In early 2009 our non-profit society, the Minto Communications Society (MCS), launched initial high
speed wireless internet service at 1 Mbps to Gun Lake and Tyaughton Lake in the Bridge River Valley
(100 km west of Lillooet, BC); prior to this deployment the only option for high speed internet was by
satellite. This project builds on the experience gained in implementing wireless internet service in the difficult
mountain terrain associated with the South Chilcotin Mountains. By August 2009 we had 34 residential
subscribers and 5 commercial subscribers.
Based on our experience with the technology and the understanding we have gained in overcoming
mountainous topographical challenges throughout 2009, we are very confident that the proposed expansion of
broadband service to the regions identified in the coverage section is completely attainable.
The previous Gantt chart and Task List identify all the high-level tasks associated with the project and the
proposed timeline. The timeline is linked directly to the approval of funding from Industry Canada and
NetworkBC, as well as being impacted by the degree of snow melt in the mountains in the spring of 2010.
Attached are resumes of the key technical personnel who will be directly designing, implementing, and
managing the project.
The project managers will be Chris Donald P.Eng. with over 30 years experience in technology development
and project management the fields of data communications and advanced service development for BC Tel,
Stentor, and Bell Canada and Peter Dartana who has over 20 years of experience as a professional engineer
and has a Master's Degree in architecture. He obtained extensive construction experience while working for
PCL and Ellis Don Construction, and architectural design experience in projects ranging from Buddhist temples,
hotels, commercial/retail, and high end custom homes. Peter has 'hands on' involvement to ensure that the
construction result always meet budget and time constraints.
Contractor/Consultant
Chris Donald
Peter Dartana
Bob Chow
Brock Prozeniuk
Harbour Landing
Construction
Broadband Canada
Qualifications
P.Eng. BSc. EE
30 yrs data communications
design & senior management
P.Eng Alta. ; MSc. Architecture
BCIT; Technology Diploma; 35
years experience in RF design
and computer network systems
P.Eng.
25 yrs data communications &
system architect
Construction company with
specialization in remote
communication tower design and
installation.
45
Responsibility
Project Management, Network design,
Installation
Project Management, Network design,
Installation
RF Architecture; IP network design, server
configuration, installation
IP network design, router architecture,
Linux support
Tower assembly & installation
7.2 RISK ANALYSIS
RISK ITEM
Tower sites not
accessible due to
snow conditions
Tower installation
contractors not
available;
helicopters not
available
Radio equipment not
available
POSSIBILITY
OF OCCURRING
IMPACT TO PROJECT
MITIGATION AND
MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
Low-medium
Low
1-2 month delay
Does not impact project
completion deadline of
Dec 31, 2011
Medium
Low
2-6 month delay
Project can be rescheduled into 2011
Low
Medium
Advance funding not
provided
Medium-high
High
Poor localized RF
coverage due to
terrain/trees;
community
dependent
Low-medium
Low
Rime icing of
mountain antennas
Forest Fire
Entry of competitive
carrier into region
Subscription rate
lower than forecast
Substantial increase
in T1 backbone cost
by Telus
Broadband Canada
Substitute radio models or
use alternate vendor
Negotiate with Industry
Canada/NetworkBC;
solicit loans from private
individuals
Install residential access
points as repeaters to fill
coverage gaps
Low
Loss of connectivity to
specific communities
High
Loss of connectivity to
specific communities;
loss of BC Hydro
power
Use radome antennas;
snowmobile or helicopter
access to clear icing
Low
Loss of subscribers
Increase marketing effort
Medium
Low
Increase marketing effort
Low
High
Reduced service level
to subscribers
Medium
Medium - high
46
Depends on location;
provide generator backup
at POP and primary
repeater site
Decrease T1 capacity;
manage subscriber
expectations; lobby
government
SCHEDULE 8
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
.
SECTION 8.1 – DECLARATION ON APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The applicant, by its duly authorized representative signing below, certifies that:
1. The information in this application is accurate and complete and the Project proposal, including
budgets, is fairly presented.
2. The applicant understands that the Broadband Program is a competitive applications
program subject to available funding, and that submission of a complete application, meeting any
or all of the assessment criteria, or responding to requests from industry Canada officers for
further information in respect of an application, does not mean that funding will be granted. All
applicants whose projects are approved for Broadband Canada funding will be so notified in
writing.
3. Once funding is provided, the applicant will obtain prior approval of industry Canada for any
change to the Project proposal. The applicant will publicly acknowledge funding and assistance by
industry Canada, in accordance with the terms of the funding agreement. The applicant will submit a
final report, and where required, financial accounting for evaluation of the activity funded by industry
Canada.
4. The applicant will respect the spirit and intent of the various acts governing the programs of industry
Canada.
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
Applicant:
Per:
Authorized signature
Name and Title
(I have authority to bind the applicant)
Broadband Canada
47
Date
SECTION 8.2 – APPLICANT DECLARATION ON CONFIDENTIALITY,
ACCESS TO INFORMATION ACT AND PRIVACY ACT
The applicant, by its duly authorized representative signing below, certifies that:
1. The applicant authorizes industry Canada to share this application (including supporting material)
with other federal and provincial government sources of assistance to facilitate cooperation between
industry Canada and the other federal departments and provincial governments in the applicant’s
application for such assistance and the review and assessment of the applications, to ensure there
will be no duplication of assistance, and to confirm that all agreements are being adhered to. The
applicant also authorizes industry Canada to gather from other federal departments and provincial
governments the information necessary for such purposes.
2. Any authorizations from individuals and other third parties that may be necessary to provide the
information required to be submitted in the application have been obtained.
3. The applicant understands that the information provided in this application (including supporting
material) is subject to the federal Access to Information Act and Privacy Act and is subject to
release upon request under the Access to Information Act
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
Applicant:
Per:
Authorized signature
Name and Title
(I have authority to bind the applicant)
Broadband Canada
48
Date
SECTION 8.5 A – APPLICANT DECLARATION ON LOBBYING
1 is (or has) the applicant or a third party acting on its behalf, using (or used) the services of a
lobbyist (as defined by the Lobbying Act) for the purposes of its application for financial
assistance?
YES
NO
IF NO, please sign form at bottom.
If YES, and third party is involved, please identify the third party before answering question 2 and 3.
Name:
Address:
2 has the applicant retained a lobbyist for a commission, contingency or any other consideration
dependant upon the execution of a potential contribution agreement related to this application for
financial assistance?
YES
NO
IF YES, your application is not eligible for financial assistance. industry Canada Policy states
that a Contribution cannot be offered to an applicant that has retained a lobbyist for a commission,
contingency fee or any other consideration dependant upon the execution of the agreement.
3 if the services of a lobbyist(s) are being used (or have been used) for the purpose of the application
for financial assistance, is (are) the lobbyist(s) in compliance with the Lobbying Registration Act?
YES
NO
IF YES, please sign form at bottom and provide a print out from the Public
Registry of Lobbyist confirming the lobbyist=s compliance with the LRA
IF NO, your application cannot be considered eligible for financial assistance at this time.
industry Canada Policy states that a contribution cannot be offered to an applicant that,
for the purpose of its application for financial assistance, has retained a lobbyist that is
not in compliance with the Lobbying Act.
For assistance in determining whether you or the third party lobbying on your behalf are required to
register as a lobbyist, or to further discuss compliance matters, please contact the Office of the
Registrar of Lobbyists. A toll-free number is available (1800-328-6189) to help lobbyist with first-time
registration. you may also communicate by e-mail to lobbyist.reg@ic.gc.ca. general information was
also provided with this form.
Broadband Canada
49
CERTIFICATION (APPLICANT DECLARATION ON LOBBYING)
SECTION 8.5 B APPLICANT DECLARATION ON VALUES AND ETHICS CODE FOR THE PUBLIC
SERVICE
The undersigned certifies:
- that the undersigned has read and understands the information provided above;
and - that the information provided herein is intact true and complete.
signature:
(Officer with signing authority)
Applicant:
(Name of organization or firm)
date:
The Values and Ethics Code for the Public service can be consulted at the following link:
http://www.tbs sct.gc.ca/pubs_pol/hrpubs/TB_851/vec cve_e.asp
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS AND POST-EMPLOYMENT CODE FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE
DISCLOSURE
Former Public servants who are under the Conflict of interest and Post Employment Code for the Public
service, must provide a disclosure that there is no conflict of interest. if applicable, attach copy of the
disclosure with this application.
i have read the Values and Ethics Code for the Public service and recognise that although not subject to
the Values and Ethics Code for the Public service by working on behalf of the public service will
respect its spirit.
Authorized signature
Name and Title
date
VALUES AND ETHICS FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND POST
EMPLOYMENT CODE FOR PUBLIC OFFICE HOLDERS DECLARATION
If applicable, attach with this application a declaration on the role/involvement of federal government
officials with the applicant as set out in the Values and Ethics Code for the Public service, and the
Conflict of interest and Post Employment Code for Public Office holders.
Broadband Canada
50
Broadband Canada
51
ARTICLES
BUSINESS VENTURES IN THE UPPER BRIDGE RIVER VALLEY
FACILITATED BY THE PRESENCE OF HIGH SPEED INTERNET
In the few months the fledgling high speed internet service has been in operation, this service has
facilitated the inception and ongoing operation of several businesses.
Moose Web Design On the pristine shores of beautiful Gun Lake, Michelle Nortje has created a
company that designs web sites and then hosts them. Her initial design is GunLake.Ca a web site about
Gun Lake and the surrounding areas. Providing viewers with a wealth of information, this site since its
inception has had visits from over 5,000 visitors from 44 countries who have in total visited this site over
18,000 times. Michelle also developed SouthChilcotin.CA, a similar website promoting this region.
Mike Jensen Photography Many of the magnificent photographs of the natural beauty of this region
shown on Gun Lake.Ca will appear on Mike Jensen Photography, a web site currently under construction
and planned for a roll-out in the Spring of 2010. Photography will be displayed and sold from this
website.
Debbie Demare
The MacLean Group of Companies This consortium of companies has built a multi-million dollar
facility on the shores of Gun Lake, including two helicopter landing sites and aircraft hangers. Although
this facility is not in full-time use, high-speed internet enables it to provide communication services when
the facilities are in use, and on-going security monitoring services.
Tyax Lodge A commercial user of Minto Communication services, Tyax handles a wide variety of
communication needs through their high speed internet facilities. These services include
management/operational services, and guest services.
Tyax Heliskiing This firm operates out of the Tyax Lodge during the winter months. It is also a
commercial user of Minto Communications, which handles a wide variety of their communication needs
through their high speed internet facilities.
Dave Watkins
Gun Lake, BC
Broadband Canada
52
A REPORT OF A
PUBLIC MEETING OF THE MINTO COMMUNICATIONS SOCIETY
HELD ON JULY 19, 2009
On July 19, 2009, approximately twenty-five residents of the Upper Bridge River Valley attended a public
meeting at the Gold Bridge Community Centre. Sponsored by the Minto Communications Society, the
purpose of the meeting was to share information and receive public input regarding the new high speed
internet system being developed by this Society.
The meeting was chaired by Dave Watkins, Society Vice-President. Also attending were Peter Dartana,
Society President and Bob Chow, Vice President in charge of technical development.
Dave Watkins explained the Society has been established as a non-profit society. It was formed after
several years of community members attempting to interest commercial interests to bring broadband to
the community. Unfortunately, there was found to be no business case for such a project due to the sparse
population, and the mountainous terrain of the region.
A technical overview of the plans was given by Bob Chow and Peter Dartana. Plans for future growth
were given, with milestone timelines in terms of anticipated subscribers. A full discussion of the proposed
rate structure was given with discussion on other related funding issues.
The audience brought forward a number of questions most of which were of a technical nature. These
were answered by Bob Chow and Peter Dartana.
There was overwhelming support for this project by the audience. It was evident from the comments
made that the communities of the Upper Bridge River Valley support the Minto Communications Society
whole heartedly. Many compliments were extended to Peter and Bob for their untiring efforts in making
this a reality, although much work remains to be done. The meeting began at 10:00 AM and concluded
about 11:30.
A reminder of the Annual General Meeting of the Minto Communications Society, scheduled for August
2, 2009, was made. All members of the Society were urged to attend.
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NEW HIGHWAY TO THE UPPER BRIDGE RIVER
(This article appeared in April, 2009, The Bridge River Lillooet News)
A new highway to the Upper Bridge River region is leading to unprecedented economic opportunities.
This highway is electronic in the form of wireless, high speed data transmission. It is now available to
residents of Gun Lake and Tyax, and soon to Gold Bridge and eventually to Bralorne. Those residents
who have signed up with the Minto Communications Society can down-load data at blinding speeds,
making it possible to read the Vancouver Sun or Province with their morning coffee, or take a university
course on line, or watch a T.V. news broadcast at a more convenient time than in the middle of the dinner
hour.
These and endless other benefits accompany a high speed internet connection. However, the biggest
benefit to these communities will be individuals moving to this region seeking a rural, wilderness
lifestyle, but requiring employment normally available only in large, urban centres. People will now be
able to live, possibly at Gun Lake or in Bralorne, who are employed by a crown corporation or
government or a private corporation which can accommodate employees with remote work locations.
Studies are showing employees working from their home are more productive, do better quality work, are
more creative and are happier in their jobs when they work at home. Employers have lower costs
associated with these employees and the employees themselves save on a range of expenses including
transportation. This is classic win-win! There are increasing examples of people working at jobs remote
from their “home office” doing work that would have been unthinkable in a remote location until recently.
A good example is Russell Westbrook. Russell is an engineer working for NASA. He is working on a
variety of NASA projects including the new generation of space craft, the space station, a permanent
outpost facility on the moon and the Mars voyage. Russell’s home office is at Moffitt Field in California.
But he seldom goes there, preferring to live in Coal Harbour in Vancouver.
Russ works with a team of NASA designers many of whom also are in remote locations around the world.
But they work closely together using a variety of strategies such as file sharing, and video conferencing.
If you are interested in seeing more of what Russell is up to at his own work station, you can check out his
web-site, www.russellwestbrook.com. If you are interested in learning more about NASA, look up
www.nasa.gov. Particularly interesting is the LCROSS Mission, described on their website.
Ken Coopland works for Telus as a consultant, assisting employers set up home work sites for employees.
He sees a strong increase in interest by employers having their employees stay at home and work from
there. “If the nature of the work lends itself to remote work stations, and the proper preparation and
planning are undertaken, this can be a huge benefit to both the employer and the employee. And with
fewer cars on the road, less offices to heat and light, the environment is a big winner too.”
Visitors to the Upper Bridge areas reflecting on the amazing natural beauty and endless recreation
opportunities of the region often comment, “I would live here if I could, but my job keeps me in
Vancouver (or wherever).” With more and more jobs being portable to the home and with high speed
service now available, families will now begin to look at living that wilderness life-style they could only
dream about before. They will be welcomed with open arms by the locals, especially when their kids
enrol in the local school which is struggling to stay open with a small enrolment, and when they spend
their money in the local grocery store or buy gas from the local service station.
For more information about the Minto Communication Society, check out their website at
www.mintocomm.ca.
March-24-09
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Résumés
!"#$%&'()*+,&-.&/)0.
8366 Vinewood Place, Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A 3V6 / cdonald@telus.net / 604-421-5657
SUMMARY
!
Over 30 years experience working in advanced data communications technology & multimedia
applications development; 11 years in senior engineering management
!
Proven track-record in developing & implementing leading edge telecommunication & broadband
services
!
Extensive experience in managing large & small technical teams
!
Skilled decision maker in situations of technological uncertainty
!
Effective organizational, budgeting, and technical management skills
!
Innovative solution seeker with work experience in other cultures
!
Ability to simplify complex technology issues for effective communication with executive
management
!
Effective team member working with Marketing, Operations, & Business managers, and external
vendors
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Managed the technology teams responsible for the following:
!
Developed the user applications & system architecture for Bell Canada “Total Vision”, the first
interactive digital television and high speed internet service in Canada launched in 1997 in London
Ontario and Montreal Quebec.
!
Provided product evaluation & technology architecture support for the “Sympatico” internet
service and gateway offered across Canada by the Canadian telcos
!
Designed and developed the first commercial ATM network service in North America: the BC Tel
(Telus) Ubiquity Network launched in 1993
!
Implemented the first deployment of Newbridge 3600 multiplexer technology in Canada as the
backbone of the BC Tel Digital Services T1 Network - DSN
!
Co-designed “Autotel”, the first automated digital VHF radiotelephone service in Canada
Résumé for Chris Donald P.Eng.
Page 1 / 2
EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
Broad range of experience and expertise in the following areas:
!
Managing both professional and unionized work groups
!
Effectively managing multi-million dollar budgets
!
Effective communicator with executive management
!
Effective project management and people management skills
!
Experience in computer network design, systems integration, equipment standards, R&D
management, system surveillance, and client-server applications development
!
Managed the development and implementation of a variety of interactive software applications
ranging from a thin-client set-top EPG to large scale ISP gateway services
!
Managed the development and deployment of large scale network services including analogue data,
T1, X-25, TDM, ATM, IP, VPN, & automated radiotelephone
!
Developed digital broadcast, video-on-demand, and high speed IP services for commercial
distribution by Bell Canada over HFC & xDSL networks
!
Skilled at balancing technology issues and cost with business and marketing requirements to ensure
the timely deployment of new enhanced services
!
Experience in technology “roadmapping”
!
Experience in preparing Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) claims for
numerous industry segments including software, forestry, and manufacturing.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
!
B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Glasgow University in 1969.
!
Member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia
PAPERS
!
1977 IEEE VTG Conference
“Network Design for a Fully Automatic Wide Area Radiotelephone Service
Broadband Canada
Minto Communications Society
Bob Chow
1732 Emerson Court
North Vancouver, B.C.
V7H 2Y6
604-222-7469 (W) 604-929-8908 (H)
Employment
1974 - 1980
Sinclair Radio Laboratories Ltd.
Burnaby, B.C.
Mechanical Designer/Customer Support Technician
• Mechanical and structural designer of VHF and UHF antenna arrays and RF filters.
• Assisted customers in the selection and installation of structural systems for antenna arrays.
1980 - Present
TRIUMF
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, B.C.
Mechanical Designer, Design Office Group, 1980 - 1981
• Designed PMT housings, ISIS RF Spin filter, Liquid He3 Cryogenic target.
Mechanical Technician, RF Group, 1981 - 1986
• Assisted in the design and construction of new cyclotron RF resonators.
• Assisted in the construction of the RF separator.
• Assisted in the design and construction of RF Ground Arm Tip motor drives.
• Maintained various RF systems including amplifiers, transmission lines, coupling loops etc.
Electronics/mechanical technician, RF Controls Group, 1986 - Present
• Assisted in the design and construction of the RF Ground Arm Tip control system, the RF
Separator control system, the RF Booster control system, the Main Cyclotron RF control
system, the ISAC RFQ control system, ISAC-II Superconducting Linac RF Control System.
• Configured and managed the computer and network resources of the RF Controls Group and
various other groups and individuals on the TRIUMF site.
Electronics/mechanical technician, Diagnostics Group, 1996 - Present
• Assisted in the construction and maintenance of various diagnostic monitors and probes.
• Assisted in the design and construction and commissioning of the ISAC 2A Extraction probe.
Education
BCIT
Burnaby, B.C.
Diploma of Technology, Mechanical 2
1971 - 1973
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, B.C.
First year Mechanical Engineering
1973
1988
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Minto Communications Society
Vancouver City College
Vancouver, B.C.
C Programming
References
• Kenneth Fong, Ph.D., TRIUMF RF Controls Group
• Andy Hurst, TRIUMF Diagnostics Group
• Guy Stanford, P.Eng., TRIUMF Accelerator Technology Division
• Roger Poirier, P.Eng., TRIUMF RF Group
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