Annapolis County Internet Agreement Completed
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 17, 2018
Annapolis County Internet Agreement Completed
(ANNAPOLIS COUNTY, NS) The Municipality of the County of Annapolis announced today that a final agreement has been concluded with Mainland Telecom, Inc. to begin provision of internet infrastructure throughout Annapolis County.
“We have been working hard over the past ten months to hammer out the final details of the funding agreement, and now we’ve signed off on the deal”, said Annapolis County Warden Timothy Habinski.
“Top level internet connectivity throughout the County was the first priority of Council’s Economic Development Strategy, and I am delighted that we are now in a position to finally move forward”, the Warden declared.
Last year the Municipality of the County of Annapolis Council approved a Temporary Borrowing Resolution (TBR) that put forward a formal request to the Province of Nova Scotia stating the County’s intent to borrow $13,000,000 to build back bone fibre optic cable in key areas within the County boundaries.
The Province approved the request in June 2017, and the Municipality then entered into active and detailed negotiations with Mainland Telecom Inc., the Annapolis Valley based company chosen from a list of companies to design, build, and provide fibre optic internet service for County homes and businesses.
“As in most cases where parties enter into complex negotiation the devil was in the details, and we wanted to work out an agreement that would protect the interest of our residents, provide them with the service they urgently need, and to be beneficial for both the Municipality and for Mainland Telecom Inc. We believe we have achieved that balance. Now the real work can begin”.
“The ongoing negotiations focused on a risk mitigation approach to the Fibre Optic Cable Build while recognizing a need to reach as many citizens and businesses. Mainland Telecom Inc. and the County were thorough in their approach to negotiations and the details were widespread and comprehensive” said Annapolis County Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) John Ferguson.
The fibre optic build is planned to begin during this year’s construction season and once the project is underway Mainland Telecom Inc. expects to have 3-4 separate crews working within Annapolis County. The fibre optic build is anticipated to take approximately 28 months. There is more information to follow. Stay tuned!
The Municipality will initiate a communications process that will keep residents and businesses up to date as this project progresses.
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For Additional Information contact: John Ferguson
Chief Administrative Officer
Municipality of the County of Annapolis
902 526-0478
