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1. Will this mean the streets in the city and my yard have to be ripped up?

Disruption to city streets and property can be kept to a minimum using directional drilling and working within certain utility rights of way. In some cases, there may be some disruption or shallow trenching required in yards. In those cases, remediation is included to restore the property to its original condition and minimize the impact for residents.

2. What are the health impacts of broadband technology? I’ve heard that broadband produces dangerous amounts of electromagnetic radiation.

The network proposed for Beaumont uses fibre optic cables. Electromagnetic radiation does not occur in fibre optic transmission and there is no evidence of impact on human health through fibre optics.

3. Does this include 5G technology? What are the health impacts of 5G technology?

The project will not include 5^th generation wireless, or 5G, technology at first. There may be options to add it later.

International health authorities, including the World Health Organization and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have determined that the weight of scientific evidence has not shown any link between cell phones and health problems.

4. What is an open-access network?

Traditionally in Canada and the United States, internet infrastructure (cable, fibre-optic and other equipment) is built and operated by the same company that provides internet services to customers. With an open-access network, infrastructure and service delivery are separate. An independent party owns and operates the infrastructure, which internet service providers pay to use. This reduces barriers for providers to access new markets and encourages competition.

5. What is 10 gigabit? What are the benefits?

Ten gigabits, or 10-gig, refers to the amount of data that can be transferred per second – in this case, 10 gigabits per second capacity for uploading or downloading content through the internet.

Residents can expect faster, more reliable internet service once the network is completed, though the actual speed you’ll experience will depend on factors such as your computer or device, your modem or router, and your internet service provider.

6. Beaumont already has one-gigabit per second internet in some places. What’s the difference?

Internet is vital to attract and retain growing businesses – the quality of it matters. 10-gig internet speed will eventually be the standard all over the world, just as we will see with 5G for cell coverage. In a resetting economy where location matters less than it did even a year ago, it will be the quality of services that attract high-impact companies and inform people’s choices about where they’re going to live.

7. Will the network use Huawei technology?

No. The project will not use Huawei, period.

8. Does this include 5G technology? What are the health impacts of 5G technology?

The project will not include 5^th generation wireless, or 5G, technology at first. There may be options to add it later.

International health authorities, including the World Health Organization and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have determined that the weight of scientific evidence has not shown any link between cell phones and health problems.