Frequently Asked Questions
- What does GwaiiTel do?
- Who uses the GwaiiTel network?
- What is the Connected Coast Project?
- What is happening with current internet developments on Haida Gwaii?
- Why was the fiber network built underground?
- Who should I contact before digging?
- What will happen if the fiber optic line is broken, and how will you fix it?
- Will the fiber keep my internet more functional?
- What partnerships are currently in place?
Answers
GwaiiTel provides connectivity among the communities of Haida Gwaii and the BC mainland by us of middle mile fiber optic cabling and radio links.
This connectivity is available for use by ISPs that wish to provide Internet services to Haida Gwaii residents and businesses through open access agreements.
This connectivity is available for use by ISPs that wish to provide Internet services to Haida Gwaii residents and businesses through open access agreements.
Who uses the GwaiiTel network?
What is the Connected Coast Project?
The Connected Coast project is scheduled to bring a subsea cable to Haida Gwaii this winter. Landing in Tlell, the subsea cable will reach across the Hecate connecting Haida Gwaii to the mainland with a fast, fiber optic, high-bandwidth connection.
The Connected Coast project is taking place in the winter of 2021-22 and details on the location of the cable, schedules and details can be found on the Connected Coast Website.
Their current plan indicates landfall at Tlell and they will then join onto the middle mile backbone that GwaiiTel currently operates.
The Connected Coast project is taking place in the winter of 2021-22 and details on the location of the cable, schedules and details can be found on the Connected Coast Website.
Their current plan indicates landfall at Tlell and they will then join onto the middle mile backbone that GwaiiTel currently operates.
What is happening with current internet developments on Haida Gwaii?
Mascon and CityWest have announced plans to build final mile / fiber to the home network drops (which connects your home and/or business to the GwaiiTel network).
If you have any questions about the current fiber drops or buildout being done by either company, the contacts for the two companies are:
If you have any questions about the current fiber drops or buildout being done by either company, the contacts for the two companies are:
Mascon
Website: https://mascon.ca/haida-gwaii-internet/
Contact: Manager - Andrew Hoffman
Email: andrew.hoffman@telus.com
Why was the new fiber network built underground?
The GwaiiTel fiber network spans over 110km and is an expensive piece of infrastructure to maintain.
With the high frequency of heavy weather events on Haida Gwaii, a buried cable was chosen to minimize impacts from threats like blown down trees, downed hydro poles, or telecommunication lines being struck by industrial machines.
Who should I contact before digging?
Please call, email or request a locate ticket from BC One Call to ensure the area is safe to dig and to avoid damaging any underground cabling.
Line damages caused by a third party who has not followed due process will result in the third party having the cost of the repair charged to them.
Phone: 1-800-474-6886
Email: info@bc1c.ca
Website: https://www.bc1c.ca/
Haawa/Haaw’a for your consideration.
Line damages caused by a third party who has not followed due process will result in the third party having the cost of the repair charged to them.
Phone: 1-800-474-6886
Email: info@bc1c.ca
Website: https://www.bc1c.ca/
Haawa/Haaw’a for your consideration.
What will happen if the fiber optic line is broken and how will it be fixed?
GwaiiTel has spare fiber optic cable, conduit and other necessary materials in inventory on Haida Gwaii.
GwaiiTel also has arrangements in place with a qualified on-island contractor capable of repairing the fiber cable.
The fiber network is monitored 24/7 and in the event of a break, GwaiiTel dispatches its contractor to assess the damage and complete repairs.
GwaiiTel also has arrangements in place with a qualified on-island contractor capable of repairing the fiber cable.
The fiber network is monitored 24/7 and in the event of a break, GwaiiTel dispatches its contractor to assess the damage and complete repairs.
Will the fiber keep my internet more functional?
In general, fiber-based networks are highly reliable, typically only subject to degradation or interruption in the event the fiber itself is damaged or cut.
GwaiiTel’s priority is to reliably operate and maintain its middle mile fiber network and radio link to the BC mainland.
There are many factors beyond GwaiiTel’s middle mile connectivity that can potentially affect the end user’s internet service experience and quality.
In the event you are experiencing issues with your internet service, please contact your ISP.
GwaiiTel’s priority is to reliably operate and maintain its middle mile fiber network and radio link to the BC mainland.
There are many factors beyond GwaiiTel’s middle mile connectivity that can potentially affect the end user’s internet service experience and quality.
In the event you are experiencing issues with your internet service, please contact your ISP.
What partnerships are currently in place?
A partnership has been announced between CityWest and OMVC, SBC and the CHN.
Information on the agreement can be found on the Haida Nation website through the following link:
Council of the Haid Nation and City West Partnership Agreement
Information on the agreement can be found on the Haida Nation website through the following link:
Council of the Haid Nation and City West Partnership Agreement
Definitions
Middle Mile: An industry term that describes the network infrastructure that connects last mile (i.e., local) networks to other network service providers, major telecommunications carriers, and the greater internet. It does not typically connect the majority of end-users.
Final Mile: An industry term that describes the local network infrastructure closest to the end-users (e.g., the residents, businesses and community facilities). They are typically built off of middle mile networks.
ISP: An ISP, or internet service provider, is a company that lets you access the internet from home, usually with a monthly subscription.
OMVC: Old Massett Village Council
SBC: Skidegate Band Council
CHN: Council of the Haida Hation
Final Mile: An industry term that describes the local network infrastructure closest to the end-users (e.g., the residents, businesses and community facilities). They are typically built off of middle mile networks.
ISP: An ISP, or internet service provider, is a company that lets you access the internet from home, usually with a monthly subscription.
OMVC: Old Massett Village Council
SBC: Skidegate Band Council
CHN: Council of the Haida Hation