Competition

One of the main principles of Alberta SuperNet is to enable and encourage competition in the delivery of high-speed services to the province's smaller communities, where high-speed access, service options and competition don't exist.

Alberta SuperNet facilities

Provincial government offices, libraries, educational and health facilities in 429 communities are connected to Alberta SuperNet. These facilities can safely and securely share information and resources with other Alberta SuperNet facilities, resulting in improved and efficient delivery of public services. These facilities can purchase high-speed Internet access from Internet service providers (ISPs) in many small communities.

Homes and businesses

ISPs and Application Service Providers (ASPs) can purchase bandwidth on Alberta SuperNet to provide Internet services to homes and businesses in communities without access to high-speed network options.

All customer access is managed by Axia SuperNet Ltd., contracted by the Government of Alberta to manage and operate the network under a 10-year renewable contract.

Provider of Last Resort:
Internet Service over Alberta SuperNet

In the Master Agreement for SuperNet, Bell is designated as the Provider of Last Resort (POLR) for high-speed Internet services in SuperNet communities.

This means that Bell is responsible to ensure high speed servcice in a SuperNet community, with the following stipulations:

If no service provider opts to provide high-speed service in a connected community by April 2006, (in a SuperNet community where high-speed Internet access services are not available), Bell shall, upon the reasonable request* of a resident or business located within said community, ensure access services at a minimum access speed equivalent to xDSL, or cable.

These access services shall be provided at rates equivalent to urban rates offered by Bell or other major suppliers and using whichever access technology Bell deems appropriate, such as cable, satellite or wireless services.

*NOTE:  A "reasonable request of a resident or business" includes allowing for a reasonable installation interval consistent with industry standards, and consideration of the applicant's location in the community.

Related SuperNet Link:
SuperNet and the Internet