KAKABEKA FALLS, Ont. — Wireless phone and computer network services that are sometimes spotty in areas around Kakabeka Falls and Murillo could improve if Tbaytel builds a new telecommunications tower in Oliver Paipoonge, the utility says.
The proposed 80-metre tower, to be located on Pole Line Road, would be a “self-supporting” structure without the need for guyed wires, the utility says in a public notice about the project.
According to the notice, the tower would upgrade service specifically between Kakabeka Falls to Murillo, and between Oliver Road and the Kaministiquia River.
The proposed site is to include antenna equipment installed on the tower, as well as an equipment shelter enclosed within 225 square metres of chain-link fence, the notice said.
If the tower is built, it would be part of a network of 250 existing towers operated by Tbaytel across its Northwestern Ontario coverage area.
Those who want to ask questions about the project at a Jan. 11 information session at Murillo’s community centre must register by Jan. 5.
Meanwhile, construction continues by Tbaytel on a $36-million upgrade to make available fibre-optic services to 2,565 households just outside Thunder Bay in Conmee, Gillies, O’Connor, Neebing, Oliver Paipoonge and Shuniah.
All six rural municipalities are to be equipped with the fibre-optic option by the end of 2025, Tbaytel says. That project began last year.
Many residents living in the affected areas have had to make do with low-speed internet, or by accessing high-speed through satellite-based services like Starlink.
In 2021, the provincial and federal governments earmarked $1.2 billion combined “to support large-scale, fibre-based projects that will provide high-speed internet access to more than 280,000 homes across Ontario.”
A provincial backgrounder released earlier this year said the province remains committed to “bringing reliable high-speed internet access to every community by the end of 2025.”
Tbaytel is owned by the City of Thunder Bay but has its own board of directors. It pays the city an annual dividend of $18 million.
Registration for next month’s information session regarding the Pole Line tower project can be done by email at [email protected], or by calling 905-928-9481.
The Chronicle-Journal/Local Journalism Initiative
