Why the Internet is important to Agriculture

The Province of Ontario, Barrett Xplore Inc. and the City of Kawartha Lakes
created a workshop for farmers to learn about the broadband expansion program for
Rural Kawartha Lakes.

Internet for Farmers! According to economic research farmers and agribusiness firms
are adopting the Internet as rapidly as any other recent technology that’s been
introduced in Agriculture. Farmers are doing business on the Internet – commonly
referred to as e-commerce. They obtain government reports, export sales and historical data, current weather information and forecasts. To find out about the extensive uses, the advantages and the potential problems of the World Wide Web and how it impact their agri-business locally and globally farmers should attend this session.
Farmers got information on Crop Management, Commodity Futures and Other Farm Business Topics. They can get some tips on how high speed can help them do
business on the farm.
The highlight of the afternoon was the workshop format in a Webinar,
using high speed to link concurrent workshops in the United Counties of Leeds &
Grenville, and to access speakers from Elgin County and Brockville as well as
from Kawartha Lakes.

HIGH-SPEED INTERNET

Barrett Xplore Inc. is pleased to have been chosen by the City of Kawartha Lakes to work in conjunction with the Technology Alliance Group (TAG) to complete the city’s rural broadband service expansion project. This project will be managed by TAG and bring complete high-speed Internet coverage to the area.

“We’re excited to have been chosen for this project and look forward to partnering with the City of Kawartha Lakes and TAG to bring fast, affordable and reliable broadband Internet to the city,” said Barrett Xplore CEO John Maduri. “Broadband will bring unprecedented education, health, government and business opportunities to the rural residents of Kawartha Lakes.”

Ken Taylor of Barrett Xplore was on hand to present “The Highlights of High Speed” presentation.

Barrett Xplore brings broadband Internet to Kawartha Lakes through a mixture of two different access technologies – fixed point wireless broadband and two-way satellite communications. Together, these technologies will completely cover the city. “This project is very much in keeping with Barrett’s strategic focus and commitment to rural broadband” said Ken Taylor.

Even before bidding on the broadband expansion project, Barrett Xplore had a significant local presence in the community, and already had six towers planned for the Kawartha Lakes region. One is currently live and another five towers will be in commercial service by December 2007. Barrett Xplore has worked with Motorola to complete in excess of 200 wireless broadband deployments in rural Canada, reaching 300 rural communities and covering 350,000 homes and businesses. It has also partnered with Telesat Canada to deliver high-speed Internet access using satellite technology everywhere in Canada.

TAG STAR AWARDS for 2007

Bryan Clark - "Individual Award". He is a regular local user who has been accessing the TAG CAP site in Lindsay since 2001, making him one of the site’s original patrons. Bryan first came to the site to brush up on his computer skills. He truly models an ongoing commitment to personal development and passion for lifelong learning.

Lynda Rickard - Excecutive Director for Technology Alliance Group for Kawartha Lakes

City of Kawartha Lakes Mayor & Council (Andy Luff accepting the Award on their behalf) - "Community Award". This award is for demonstrating a strong and consistent commitment to economic development in their local community through their decision to participate in Rural Connections - The Ontario Municipal Rural Broadband Partnership Program. They have shown outstanding dedication and responsiveness to community needs by approving a submission by Barrett Xplore Inc. to significantly expand broadband coverage in our underserved rural communities within the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Kawartha Lakes CFDC (represented by Andrew Wallen, General Manager) - "Perfect Partner Award". This board has been a valuable partner to TAG, approving many applications for community projects. They have been working since 2001 for Broadband in the City of Kawartha Lakes and we want to thank them for their unrelenting hard work to make it happen.

Matthew Tully - "Valued Volunteer Award". He was extremely helpful at our E-Waste Unplugged 2007 environmental stewardship event. Matt has participated in brainstorming sessions with staff, assisted our patrons and is a cheerful face at the end of each day as he joins our after school crowd. We are please to present to Matt our valued volunteer award for his enthusiasm and commitment to TAG.