O-Net is Canada’s first example of a community owned and operated fibre to the premise (FTTP) deployment. It was conceptualized in 2004 by the Technology Committee of the Olds Institute for Community and Regional Development. The Olds Institute, whose aim is to promote development through relationship building and civic engagement,58 owns the network infrastructure. O-Net was established separately as an ISP to supply services over the infrastructure. Construction began in 2011.59 O-Net now operates as a “triple play” service provider, with internet, telephone, and television services available to all residents of Olds.
The Olds example has demonstrated the importance of having a strong showing of local support in order for a community broadband project to be successful. At a 2015 broadband information session with the Calgary Regional Partnership, Mitch Thomson, executive director of the Olds Institute, remarked that, “The Olds Institute has over 150 volunteers and 11 standing committees. [We] have tried to tally what value those volunteers brought to the process. At a $10.00/hour rate, it would reflect millions of dollars of dedicated expertise and effort from volunteers in many corners of our community.”60
O-Net offers internet packages at speeds of 50 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1 Gbps at $90/month, $100/month, and $125/month, respectively.61 O-Net also wholesales service to communities interested in developing FTTP networks. O-Net connects to the Calgary Internet Exchange (YYCIX) through fibre leased from Shaw.62 As a result, O-Net can serve as the ISP over any network that also has a fibre connection to Calgary. At present, O-Net provides service to the village of Waterton in Waterton National Park.63
References
58. Calgary Regional Partnership. Notes of June 17, 2015 CRP Broadband Information Session, 17 June 2015, p.4. Accessed 22 May 2016.
59. O-Net. About Us. http://o-net.ca/about-us/ Accessed 24 May 2016.
60. Calgary Regional Partnership. Notes of June 17, 2015 CRP Broadband Information Session, 17 June 2015, p.4. Accessed 22 May 2016.
61. O-Net. Products. http://o-net.ca/internet/ Accessed 24 May 2016.
62. Calgary Regional Partnership. Notes of June 17, 2015 CRP Broadband Information Session, 17 June 2015, p.6. Accessed 22 May 2016.
63. Mountain View Gazette. O-Net could become a nationwide Internet, phone, TV service provider. http://www.mountainviewgazette.ca/article/ONET-could-become-nationwide-20151110 Accessed 24 May 2016.