The Valley Community Fibre network:

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The Valley Community Fibre network

• A bundle of partners enabling a bundle of fibre
• Karen Wilder
• Acadia University
• June 13, 2006

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(No Transcript)
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Overview

• 171 km network from Halifax to Middleton
• 72-144 strand fibre optic
• Community owned and operated
• MUSH sector municipalities, universities,
  schools and hospitals
• Business case includes secondary carrier
  partnerships
• Target completion date December 2006

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The Genesis the intangibles

• Start with a dream
• Collaboration with good people is key
• Put in long hours
• Listen to the communities
• Municipalities
• Network (CANARIE and ACORN)
• Education

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The Approach

• Discover the cost detailed engineering study
• Uncover the working partners Regional
  Development Agency (Kings CED)
• Target the build partners
• Identify commitment levels
• Educate and communicate
• Set deadlines!!!

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Next steps

• Tighten up the funding targets
• Prepare the business plan
• Capital allotment
• Asset allotment
• Ongoing operating risk
• Commitments in contracts formed VCFN Board
• Hire the engineer

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Details

• You need to be a carrier to hang fibre on poles
• Support Structure agreements
• Officer insurance
• Company insurance
• Make ready estimates
• Actual make ready
• BUILD!!

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Moving forward

• Project Implementation Leader (day-to-day)
• Steering Committee (operating decisions)
• Board (Policy, institutional responsibility)
• Financial responsibility/ cash flow
• Purchasing rules
• Terms of reference for officers
• Marketing contract
• Legal contract

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Founding Partners

• VCFN Board provides funding and policy decisions
• Municipality of County of Kings
• Municipality of the District of West Hants
• Town of Windsor
• Town of Hantsport
• Town of Wolfville
• Town of Berwick
• Nova Scotia Community College
• Acadia University

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Additional Funding Partners

• CANARIE/ACORN
• ACOA
• Office of Economic Development

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Why?

• Innovation Infrastructure
• Preparing for the future
• Flexibility
• Cost effectiveness
• Economic Development
• Reaching out to underserved areas

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Tips

• Find a remarkable, hard-working team
• Laugh often
• Be prepared for a roller coaster ride
• Celebrate frequently
• Negotiate press announcements early
• Everything takes longer than you think

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Questions?

• Karen.wilder_at_acadiau.ca
• Erin_at_kingsced.ns.ca