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FlexNetworks completes missing link from Regina to Saskatoon
Dedicated ultra-high capacity 100 Gbps commercial circuit a first.
SASKATOON, SK, April 14, 2022 /CNW/ – FlexNetworks is excited to announce that it has delivered the first ever commercial 100 Gbps service link between Saskatoon and Regina.
Not only will the high-speed fibre-optic network built by FlexNetworks from the University of Regina to the University of Saskatchewan boost the speed and resilience of data-intensive research collaborations, but it will also benefit the entire province by connecting several underserved, rural communities. CANARIE is the first enterprise customer to tap directly into the capabilities of the all-Saskatchewan network.
As the national backbone and international gateway for Canada’s National Research and Education Network (NREN), CANARIE plays a vital role in Canada’s digital infrastructure. The NREN connects Canadian researchers, educators, and innovators to each other and to data, technology, and colleagues around the world. CANARIE connects the provincial and territorial partners in the NREN to each other and to global research and education networks.
“This is an exciting development for students and researchers in Saskatchewan and for their colleagues across Canada and around the world,” says Mark Wolff, CANARIE’s Chief Technology Officer. “This end-to-end connection eliminates capacity constraints on this route and improves network resilience in the province.”
CANARIE’s Saskatchewan partner in the NREN, SRNET (Saskatchewan Research Network), is equally pleased with the latest investment to the province’s digital infrastructure. “This new Regina–Saskatoon link is a key piece of digital infrastructure for education, research, and innovation in Saskatchewan. It will support the data-intensive collaboration and learning that will help grow our technology sector,” says Chad Coller, President and CEO of SRNET.
“The increased capacity, which scales to provide individual services of 400 Gbps and beyond, is the latest of the many technology advancements implemented by FlexNetworks that keeps Saskatchewan telecommunications on the leading edge,” says Jay McMaster, Chief Technology Officer at FlexNetworks.
In addition, the new high-speed network will also deliver high-speed service to rural communities along the fibre-optic cable route, including Clavet, Young, Nokomis, Bulyea and Lumsden, which have been challenged by broadband availability.
“This latest investment serves to strengthen the security of Canada’s research and education sector,” says Jacques Taillefer, Executive Vice President at FlexNetworks. “At the same time, it provides affordable high-speed Internet and creates economic development opportunities for underserved communities.”
BH Telecom Corp., doing business as FlexNetworks, owns, manages and operates an extensive fibre-optic infrastructure throughout Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. By the end of 2022 FlexNetworks will have invested over $100 million in fibre-optic infrastructure in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
Media Inquiries:
Jacques Taillefer
Executive Vice President
FlexNetworks
Tel: (647) 968-3951
Email: Jacques.Taillefer@FlexNetworks.ca
Customer Inquiries:
Redbird Communications
Tel: (306) 979-6733
Email: connect@redbirdcommunications.ca
Web: https://www.redbirdfibre.ca
FlexNetworks awarded $2.4 million to build high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) Internet service in six underserved communities near Saskatoon
SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, February 18, 2022 /CNW/ — FlexNetworks is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $2.4 million through the Universal Broadband Fund’s (UBF) Rapid Response Stream to provide high-speed fibre-optic Internet service to six underserved communities in rural Saskatchewan.
These projects will benefit nearly one thousand households in the hamlets of Neuanlage and Neuhorst, the village of Bradwell, the resort villages of Shields and Thode, and rural areas near the village of Clavet. The construction of the network in these communities is well underway and is scheduled to be fully completed by the end of March 2022.
The funding was first announced yesterday by the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, together with the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.
“We would like to applaud the federal government and its multiple broadband funding initiatives,” says Jacques Taillefer, Executive Vice President at FlexNetworks. “Those programs help improve Internet access for rural communities across the country, and without such initiatives, projects like these ones would never get realized.”
Selected UBF projects from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) are designed to deliver the greatest value for Canadians in terms of providing access to affordable, robust broadband service to underserved communities. Each application is evaluated using a detailed three-stage assessment and due diligence process.
The Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connectivity will be built by FlexNetworks and the residential Internet services will be available directly to customers through FlexNetworks’ subsidiary, Redbird Communications (redbirdfibre.ca). Redbird is using network equipment from Calix to power whole home Wi-Fi and deliver speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, the fastest residential Internet service available in Saskatchewan.
“Our government continues to take real action to connect Canadians from coast to coast,” says Robin Seaborn, General Manager of Redbird. “And we look forward to doing our part to help fulfil Canada’s Connectivity Strategy to bring affordable high-speed Internet access to everyone.”
“Greater connectivity is creating new economic development opportunities for rural communities,” adds Taillefer. “The Universal Broadband Fund program has the power to transform the lives of thousands of Canadians and businesses, and FlexNetworks is excited to play a role in this transformation.”
About FlexNetworks
BH Telecom Corp., doing business as FlexNetworks, owns, manages and operates an extensive fibre-optic infrastructure throughout Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. By the end of 2022 FlexNetworks will have invested over $100 million and built more than 1,500 km of fibre-optic cable to connect 106 underserved communities across Saskatchewan.
Sources:
Universal Broadband Fund
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
High-Speed Access for All: Canada’s Connectivity Strategy
Media Inquiries:
Jacques Taillefer
Executive Vice President
FlexNetworks
Tel: (647) 968-3951
Email: Jacques.Taillefer@FlexNetworks.ca
Customer Inquiries:
Redbird Communications
Tel: (306) 979-6733
Email: connect@redbirdcommunications.ca
Web: https://www.redbirdfibre.ca
Expanding broadband company makes another strategic acquisition
SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, February 3, 2022 — FlexNetworks is pleased to announce the acquisition of Redbird Communications Inc.
“We’re very excited about our partnership with Redbird,” says John Macdonald, CEO of FlexNetworks. “It continues our mission to bring high-speed fibre-optic service to underserved towns, hamlets and First Nations reserves across the province, the Prairies and Canada.”
Founded in 2008, Redbird has made a large contribution to providing fibre in rural communities across Saskatchewan. Hundreds of business and residential users rely on Redbird’s network to work, live, play and learn.
“We chose to combine with FlexNetworks because I believe their management team has the knowledge and expertise, as well as the foresight to deliver a scalable long-term solution for the Internet services that the residents of Saskatchewan deserve,” said Robin Seaborn, one of Redbird’s original founders. “I have been working for almost two decades on getting services equivalent to what is available in Saskatoon to rural areas, and I am excited to have found a partner who shares that vision.”
According to the CRTC, only 43.2, 1.7 and 0 per cent of small, rural communities and First Nations reserves have access to broadband in Saskatchewan, well below the national average.
“There’s exponential growth potential in Saskatchewan,” says Jacques Taillefer, Executive Vice President at FlexNetworks.
While community spirit is alive and well, many small towns are struggling to grow or attract and retain their populations, businesses and industries.
Remote and sparse populations can create investment challenges, but a collaborative model is needed to address the current infrastructure deficit to enable economic growth and ensure the well-being of rural communities.
“At both FlexNetworks and Redbird, our belief or ‘abundance philosophy’ is that everyone should have access to broadband speeds and not be disadvantaged simply by geography,” says Macdonald.
According to Taillefer, the reaction to the Redbird acquisition from communities outside of their current network has been “How soon can you get to my place?”
About FlexNetworks
BH Telecom Corp., doing business as FlexNetworks, owns, manages and operates an extensive fibre-optic infrastructure throughout Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. By the end of 2022 FlexNetworks will have invested over $100 million and built more than 1,500 km of fibre-optic cable to connect 106 underserved communities across Saskatchewan.
Source: CRTC, Communications Monitoring Report 2019
Media Inquiries:
Jacques Taillefer
Executive Vice President
FlexNetworks
Tel: (647) 968-3951
Email: Jacques.Taillefer@FlexNetworks.ca
Growing Canadian telecommunications company to expand further into the Prairies — FlexNetworks announces the private acquisition of Fiber.CA Inc
Winnipeg, Manitoba, July 23, 2021 — FlexNetworks is pleased to announce the acquisition of Fiber.CA Inc. for an undisclosed amount.
“We’re tremendously excited with this opportunity,” says John Macdonald, Chief Executive Officer of FlexNetworks. “Fiber.CA is a perfect fit with our growing fibre-optic networks across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario.”
Adds Macdonald, “This acquisition helps continue our mission to provide scalable and flexible solutions to meet both the current and future connectivity needs for enterprise business customers, service providers and medium and large organizations who are hungry for greater bandwidth and require ultra high-speed connectivity to compete nationally and globally.”
Founded in 2005 by Ron Dallmeier and Mike Gobeil, Fiber.CA has made a significant contribution to advancing ultra high-speed networks in Winnipeg and in rural Manitoba. Roughly 1,500 residential and business users, 250 schools with 93,000 staff and students rely on networks built by Fiber.CA.
FlexNetworks first entered the Manitoba market when it acquired Fastnet Communications, a Winnipeg-based Internet Service Provider, in 2020. Combined with the acquisition of Fiber.CA, FlexNetworks is expected to have over 110 km of fibre-optic infrastructure in Winnipeg by year-end.
“The resources of FlexNetworks combined with the local expertise of Fiber.CA will allow us to continue to grow the fibre-optic network in Winnipeg, the province of Manitoba and beyond,” says Jacques Taillefer, Executive Vice President at FlexNetworks. “The acquisition of Fiber.CA reflects FlexNetworks’ ongoing commitment of providing greater choice and greater speed to organizations and businesses to compete on a global scale.”
Media Inquiries:
Jacques Taillefer
Executive Vice President
FlexNetworks
Tel: (647) 968-3951
Email: Jacques.Taillefer@FlexNetworks.ca
Sales Inquiries:
Justin Evenden
Senior Account Executive – Winnipeg
FlexNetworks
Tel: (431) 777-3094
Email: Justin.Evenden@FlexNetworks.ca
FlexNetworks is proud to be a member of the White City - Emerald Park Business Association | March 26, 2021
FlexNetworks is proud to be a member of the White City – Emerald Park Business Association.
The objective of the White City / Emerald Park Business Association is to promote and improve trade and commerce and the economic, civic and social welfare of the district.
The White City / Emerald Park Business Association seeks to connect businesses and business owners along the Highway One corridor east of Regina.
FlexNetworks to Expand Fibre-Optic Service in Rural Saskatchewan with CRTC Announced Funding 26 communities to gain 10 Gbps of broadband service | February 8, 2021
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan — FlexNetworks is pleased to announce that it will build over 330km of fibre-optic cable to deliver 10 Gbps (high-speed) of internet service to rural Saskatchewan. The CRTC has announced a contribution of $9.5 million in project funding for a major expansion of broadband service to underserved regions of Saskatchewan. FlexNetworks will carry out the project, connecting 26 underserved communities East and South of Saskatoon.
The 26 communities to be covered by the expanded service are: Aberdeen, Beaver Creek, Bruno, Camp Dundurn, Carmel, Casa Rio, Dana, Drake, Dundurn, Eagle Ridge Country Estates, Englefeld, Esk, Grasswood, Guernsey, Jansen, Leroy, Lockwood, Manitou Beach, Meacham, Muenster, Peterson, Prud’homme, Riverside Estates, St. Gregor, Vonda and Whitecap.
FlexNetworks Executive Vice President Jacques Taillefer noted the significance of the announcement. “This investment will make a massive difference in closing the broadband gap in the province,” he said. “It will give more residents, students, business owners and government entities the ability to take part in the knowledge economy of the 21st century with reliable high-speed internet.”
The new funding adds to the service improvements already undertaken by FlexNetworks, and it reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to expanding internet access throughout the province. In addition to building an extensive urban network in seven Saskatchewan cities, the company has completed a fibre-optic backbone network infrastructure to improve broadband capacity in 14 underserved communities between Saskatoon and Prince Albert. By the end of 2021, FlexNetworks will finalize a network expansion to connect another 21 underserved communities between Saskatoon and Regina. This new project will add to the over 1,000 km reach of FlexNetworks fibre-optic facilities deployed in the province.
About FlexNetworks
FlexNetworks owns, manages and operates extensive fibre-optic infrastructure throughout Saskatchewan. FlexNetworks thrives on providing scalable and flexible internet solutions and on delivering a new connectivity option to Saskatchewan’s business community. Learn more at www.Flexnetworks.ca.
Media Inquiries:
Jacques Taillefer
Executive Vice President
FlexNetworks
Tel: (647) 968-3951
Email: Jacques.Taillefer@FlexNetworks.ca
Sales Inquiries:
Matthew Murray
Senior Account Executive – Enterprise
FlexNetworks
Tel: (306) 500-0198
Email: Matthew.Murray@flexnetworks.ca
National Medical Imaging clinic, education and research centre now equipped with FlexNetworks’ premium dedicated fibre-optic internet | October 16, 2020
National Medical Imaging is pleased to announce that as of October 16, 2020 its clinic, education and research centre – with leading edge MR CT Xray and ultrasound equipment – will be equipped with a premium dedicated fiber optic internet service with a capacity of up to 10G supplied by high-speed fibre-optic internet provider FlexNetworks.
This premium dedicated fiber-optic internet service will provide global connectivity to National Medical Imaging’s leading-edge MRI, CT, Ultrasound and Xray medical imaging clinic, medical imaging education and research centre. “With the addition of this private dedicated internet, our clinic will be well positioned to be a leader in the delivery of educational, research and medical services in Saskatoon, the province of Saskatchewan, and nationwide,” said Dragan Racic, National Medical Imaging’s Partner and Vice President Operations.
Thanks to this state-of-the-art connection, National Medical Imaging will have the opportunity to utilize fully its imaging equipment by sharing clinical, academic and research tools worldwide. This high-speed, flexible and tailored network solution aims to maximize communications and productivity. “We are thrilled to be able to deliver this premium technology in support of the delivery of enhanced health services and education right here in Saskatchewan,” noted Matthew Murray, Senior Account Executive – Enterprise with FlexNetworks.
The Clinic and its partners, the James Smith Cree Nation and DR Links Holdings Inc., have invested $8.5 million in this development and will be employing 15 full time staff in the medical clinic and an additional 10 employees in the education and research centre in 2021. “Medical imaging clinical, academic and research practitioners, as well as educators and researchers will be able to perform highly specialized work and offer world class educational opportunities to technologists, radiologists, students and educators from the University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Polytechnic. “This new premium connectivity is not only excellent for our clinic, it will benefit Saskatchewan’s economy as a whole by keeping educational and research activities in the province and attracting academics and researchers from other parts of the world,” added Racic.
Profiles
National Medical Imaging is a company specializing in medical imaging services, education and research in the field of medical imaging in Canada and internationally. The company, through its Market Mall facility in Saskatoon, provides medical imaging services as well as an education and research hub operated in partnership with several medical imaging education and research institutions and companies. Learn more at www.nationalmedicalimaging.ca.
James Smith Cree Nation is located 58 kilometers east of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan on Treaty 6 Territory. This First Nation has a population of 3,412, including an estimated on-reserve population of 1,892 members. Learn more at www.jamessmithcreenation.com.
FlexNetworks owns, manages and operates extensive fibre-optic infrastructure throughout Saskatchewan. FlexNetworks thrives on providing scalable and flexible internet solutions and on delivering a new connectivity option to Saskatchewan’s business community. Learn more at www.Flexnetworks.ca.
Media Inquiries:
Jacques Taillefer
Executive Vice President
FlexNetworks
Tel: (647) 968-3951
Email: Jacques.Taillefer@FlexNetworks.ca
Sales Inquiries:
Matthew Murray
Senior Account Executive
FlexNetworks
Tel: (306) 500-0198
Email: Matthew.Murray@flexnetworks.ca
COVID-19 Business Continuity Planning | March 17, 2020 | FlexNetworks
As a critical industry service provider, FlexNetworks always acts to ensure continuity of our Network ensuring we are able to provide reliable and trusted service to customers. This is part of the value we provide our clients and is integral to our ongoing success.
Please be assured that FlexNetworks is monitoring the development of the current COVID-19 outbreak and have proactively prepared our systems and support mechanisms to mitigate the associated risks. This includes comprehensive business continuity planning, system sparing and strategic regional support in the event of a potential outbreak in our operating regions.
We have undertaken a comprehensive company-wide review of our operations and potential business risks to ensure we have contingency plans in place to be able to continue to provide your organization the essential services you’ve come to trust. These reviews also take into consideration vendor organizations FlexNetworks relies on to conduct business to ensure they too have business continuity plans in place.
We have established an internal response team and are meeting regularly to consider operational adjustments as may be necessary. We do not anticipate any changes to our business or the ability to provide services and offer support, we are confident we are well positioned to continue to provide uninterrupted service at the same high standards you have come to expect.
FlexNetworks is poised to support immediate and seamless changes to bandwidth services to support your network demands or improve redundancy in the interest of ensuring you can meet your operational needs during this period. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss your situation, please don’t hesitate to contact your account executive or contact us at 800-724-8353.
Yours truly,
The FlexNetworks team
Connect to Innovate | July 24, 2019 | Regina, Saskatchewan / Global News
Ottawa commits millions to connect Saskatchewan communities through high-speed internet.
Dozens of remote and rural communities struggle to stay connected with a lack of internet access, but on Tuesday, the federal government made a multi-million dollar funding announcement that will help bring more households online.
Ottawa is pitching in $11.2 million for FlexNetworks to bring high-speed internet access to 21 communities between Regina and Saskatoon. FlexNetworks is contributing another $3.7 million for a combined total of $14.9 million.
Federal government looking to expand rural internet coverage in central Saskatchewan | July 23, 2019 | Regina, Saskatchewan / 620 CKRM
Federal government looking to expand rural internet coverage in central Saskatchewan
The Federal government is contributing over $11 million, while Toronto-based FlexNetworks will also be contributing just under $4 million to the project.
Rural communities in Saskachewan will benefit from faster Internet | July 23, 2019 | Ottawa, Ontario / Government of Canada (Phase 2)
Rural communities in Saskachewan will benefit from faster Internet
Canadians understand the importance of building communities. They have always invested in ways to better connect with each other—from the St. Lawrence Seaway to the national railroad system to the Trans-Canada Highway. Those investments now need to reflect the increasingly digital world.
That is why the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development, today announced funding of $11.2 million for FlexNetworks to bring new or improved high-speed Internet access and capacity to 21 rural communities in Saskatchewan. In addition to the Government of Canada’s investment, FlexNetworks is contributing $3.7 million, for a total investment of $14.9 million.
Rural communities in Saskachewan will benefit from faster Internet | July 23, 2019 | Regina, Saskatchewan / CNW Telbec
The Honorable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness with FlexNetworks’ representatives, along with business partners and community leaders
Rural communities in Saskachewan will benefit from faster Internet
Alan Thomarat has to use his cellphone’s hotspot any time he needs access to high-speed internet in his rural community.
TI Media Announcement | July 23, 2019 | Regina, Saskatchewan / Leader Post
The Honorable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessAccess to high–speed internet on its way for 21 rural Saskatchewan communities
Alan Thomarat has to use his cellphone’s hotspot any time he needs access to high-speed internet in his rural community.
As the mayor of the resort village of Thode, located 47 kilometres south of Saskatoon, Thomarat has seen this difficulty accessing the internet negatively impact the village’s growing permanent population of young families.
With new federal funding to soon provide his community — and 20 other rural communities in central Saskatchewan — with access to high-speed internet, Thomarat is optimistic his community will finally have the access it needs.
CTI Media Announcement | July 23, 2019 | Regina, Saskatchewan / Leader Post
The Honorable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness with Kris Eby, FlexNetworks Chief Operating OfficerL’Internet haute vitesse dans 21 communautés rurales de la Saskatchewan d’ici mars 2022
Mayor Alan Thomarat of the resort village of Thode, located 47 kilometres south of Saskatoon, has seen this difficulty accessing the internet negatively impact the village’s growing permanent population of young families.
Access to high-speed internet on its way for 21 rural Saskatchewan communities | July 23, 2019 | TROY FLEECE / Regina Leader-Post
The Honorable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness with Mayor, Alan Thomarat.FlexNetworks awarded $6 million in funding from the Government of Canada
FlexNetworks was awarded $5.95 million in funding from the Government of Canada as part of the Connect to Innovate (CTI) program. CTI is a government-led initiative to bring access to high-speed or faster Internet to 14 underserved communities in Saskatchewan. “The Connect to Innovate program has the power to transform the lives of thousands of Canadians and businesses, and FlexNetworks is excited to play a part in this transformation,” said Jacques Taillefer, Executive Vice President of FlexNetworks.
CTI Media Announcement | June 8, 2018 | Regina, Saskatchewan
June 8, 2018, Regina, Saskatchewan Alan Thomarat, Mayor, Resort Village of Thode and Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.FlexNetworks awarded $6 million in funding from the Government of Canada
FlexNetworks was awarded $5.95 million in funding from the Government of Canada as part of the Connect to Innovate (CTI) program. CTI is a government-led initiative to bring access to high-speed or faster Internet to 14 underserved communities in Saskatchewan. “The Connect to Innovate program has the power to transform the lives of thousands of Canadians and businesses, and FlexNetworks is excited to play a part in this transformation,” said Jacques Taillefer, Executive Vice President of FlexNetworks.