Alberta SuperNet

Alberta SuperNet, one of the largest private IP networks in the world, is a high speed performance network connecting over 429 communities in both urban and rural Alberta. Over 10,000 kilometers of trenched fibre optices and 3,000 kilometers of high-speed wireless. There are two main networks one owned and operated by Bell Canada which covers off 27 cities in Alberta. The other 398 communities in rural Alberta are owned by the Government of Alberta but the network operations are operated by Axia SuperNet Ltd in Calgary, Alberta. Service providers are able to connect to the Alberta SuperNet through Axia SuperNet Ltd when they have completed an agreement to provide access to high-speed internet for rural residents and small businesses. There are 1,300 healthcare facilities, 2,300 schools, 311 libraries, 200+ small urban municipalities that are connected. First Nations, Treaty 6, 7 and 8 have also connected 157 education facilities, 95 schools and 44 Federal Health Care Facilities. Eight Metis Settlements have also connected.

Prior to the SuperNet, there were only seven service providers operating outside of Alberta’s two largest metropolitan centres. There are now 81 service providers who have contracts with Axia to connect to the SuperNet. There are approximately 500 service connections and 223 communities that have retail access to highspeed connectivity. Currently, 80 percent of Alberta residents now have the option to access to highspeed Internet options. Once service providers have a presence in all SuperNet communities, 95 percent of Alberta residents will have access to highspeed Internet options.

2008 Update: The Alberta SuperNet

It's now 2008 and The Alberta SuperNet still has some way to go! Although, there are over 200+ communities connected there is still a large gap that hasn't been addressed. Recent news paper Articles in the Edmonton Journal point to a lack of leadership. Perhaps, the Government of Alberta needs to look at the engagement strategy that was developed and begin implementation. Interest is still very high and why wouldn't it be. Connecting to the world wide web is important. There is still work to be completed and increase the reliability of the network. Once the reliability of the network is completed (looping) then the Ministry of Health should begin using this system and decrease their expensive network charges. Right now senior officials in the Government of Alberta are on snooze control and pointing their finger at AXIA. However, this falls outside their mandate. The Minister of Agriculture commissioned a study (April, 2008)and Doug Griffith's the MLA is to "look in to" the discrepancies. This study should prove interesting. With all this said, there is still much work to be completed. What's holding Alberta back?

External links

* [http://www.albertasupernet.ca Official Website]
* [http://www.discusswireless.com/forum/Service-Providers-C17/Bell-Mobility-F19/Alberta-Supernet-Project-Discussion-Thread-P534/ Supernet viability discussed]