Communities to Benefit from Network Expansion

The Atlantic First Nation Fibre Network was first established between 2010 to 2012. Previous to this, Atlantic First Nation Tech Services (AFNTS) provided T1 connections to schools and other education sites in 21 Atlantic First Nation communities. In 2010 we partnered with FNIHB to establish a community approach to connectivity. At that time, we received our CRTC Non-Dominant Carrier status and established our network core at the Membertou Data Centre and our point of presence at the Health Centre in 29 of the 33 Atlantic First Nation communities. The bulk of the funding required for this project was provided by the First Nation Infrastructure Fund through Indigenous Services Canada. 

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Fast Forward to 2025 and our network now provides connectivity to 82 different Band-operated sites spanning all 33 Atlantic First Nation communities. As demonstrated by the below diagram, the vast majority of the sites on our network are either Education or Health facilities.

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Due to our CRTC Non-Dominant Carrier status, we do have the ability to connect band-operated sites outside of our mandated areas of education and health. That said, up until now the upfront cost to extend our network to band-operated sites not currently on our network was the responsibility of the Band. And the price tag can be hefty depending on how far our fibre needs to be extended. Despite the fact this would result in significant savings on monthly connectivity costs over time, this upfront cost often resulted in having additional sites join our network unattainable for communities. That is all about to change thanks to new funding through the ISCs First Nation Infrastructure Fund. This 3-year project (launched in January 2025) will result in the following:

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• Expanding the network to other Band operated buildings beyond education and health 
• Upgrading existing network equipment to meet current and future needs
• After the connection is established, we can discontinue the existing service and eliminate the monthly connectivity fee
• Rolling 3-year plan
  
  • Expansion offered in 11 communities per year
  • 2-4 new buildings added per community every 3 years
  • Communities decide which buildings are added

Up until now, our network has been underutilized. We’re thrilled that we’ve secured funding to broaden our reach to better serve communities. For the communities that choose to participate, the benefits will be as follows:

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• Enhanced network security
• Data sovereignty 
• Secure WiFi 
• Customizable web access
• Symmetrical bandwidth
• Significant cost savings for the community
  
  • $200-500/month for the community per new building added to the network
• This may reduce/eliminate the need to contract out some IT services
• May provide an opportunity to establish shared community network services (VOIP, security cameras, etc.)

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If all goes to plan, by the time this 3-year project is complete (2027) the number of band-operated buildings receiving their connectivity from our network will more than double from 82 to approximately 180. Providing the demand is still there, the hope is to continue to access the First Nation Infrastructure Fund so that each Atlantic First Nation community can be offered expansion every three years on a rolling three-year cycle. For more information, email info@afnts.ca. 

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