Press Release
KNET Announcement for KNet Upgrade to Increase Bandwidth for 18 First Nations in Northwestern Ontario on the NWOBEI Fibre Loop
Sioux Lookout, ON, July 27, 2023
The Kuhkenah Network (KNET) has reached the Installation phase of a multi-year project plan to upgrade the First Nation, KNet, and Bell fibre optic broadband network and increase bandwidth with the following18 First Nations:
- Bearskin Lake
- Big Trout Lake (Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug)
- Cat Lake
- Deer Lake
- Kasabonika Lake
- Keewaywin
- Kingfisher Lake
- Muskrat Dam
- North Spirit Lake
- Pikangikum
- Poplar Hill
- Sachigo Lake
- Sandy Lake
- Slate Falls
- Wapekeka
- Wawakapewin
- Weagamow
- Wunnumin Lake
KNet recognizes the leadership and expertise of the First Nations in working together with KNet to advocate to the funders and Bell for this critical upgrade. Band Council Resolutions have been received from the First Nations supporting the project to proceed beyond planning to scheduling Installations. The project includes community technician training, site assessments, equipment installation at PoP (point of presence)10 Gpbs Router/ Cable Router, wireless access points In wireless served communities, backup batteries, and racks. The First Nations will have access to 10Gbps with the goal of the community-owned networks providing a minimum of 50/10Mbps to homes, businesses, and service centres. Funding for this project is provided by The Ministry of Infrastructure’s Improving Connectivity for Ontario program and Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada’s Universal Broadband Fund.
KNet is also in progress or nearing completion of upgrading bandwidth to the following First Nations as part of other similar projects:
- Lac Seul
- Saugeen
- Mishkeegogamang