Hantsport soon to surf the wireless wave of the future

By Christy Marsters

Hantsport is on the break of becoming one of the first wireless communities.

Matthew Povah, an information technology specialist for Hantsport, Windsor and West Hants, said the Town of Hantsport is hopeful to have the Valley Community Fiber Network (VCFN) service lit up for community use sometime next month.

Right now there’s two devices, functioning as giant wireless network routers, set up at the Hantsport Town Hall and Churchill House. These devices have a capability to transmit a state of the art computer network and telecommunications signal to anywhere within the business core or park area of the town, Povah said. “And, it is going to be offered as a free service, covered by taxes we pay.”

This network will support nearly any type of technology and will be used by businesses, tourists, municipal leaders and members of the public in a variety of applications, Povah noted. “This puts Hantsport ahead as a technology-savvy town.”

The initial cost for establishing this project will be roughly $20,000-30,000 for three locations within Hantsport, but could end up costing the community less depending on support funds available. Costs to run this system will be very minimal.

The Town of Hantsport has a vision for this project and has been looking forward by considering this network, which is going to turn Hantsport into an e-town, Povah added. “We have a unique opportunity, I hope it goes ahead.”

Mayor Wayne Folker said this project would place Hantsport on par with the same technological pace set around the world. “Plus, this (the VCFN network) is a speed unheard of to this point. It’s an asset for sustaining of old business and for building new business.”

The school and doctor’s office will also be able to benefit from this, which is going to enhance this area from a cultural and medical perspective as well, Folker said. “And, being a municipality, were also doing this for citizens and people in the community.”

This gives those who choose to come or stay here an abundance of capability, Folker added. “People can enjoy our same life and have internet… all operations can use it.”

The VCFN was formed in partnership with six Nova Scotia municipalities including Hantsport, Windsor, West Hants, Kings County, Berwick and Wolfville. NSCC along with Acadia University have also partnered into a local establishment of the VCFN.