Connecting the north shore with next-generation telecommunications

The Problem

Interconnectivity is key to success in Northwestern Ontario for businesses and to a better quality of life for the people who live here. That’s especially true along Lake Superior’s North Shore. With Marathon at its hub, communities all along Highways 11 and 17 leverage new technologies to keep in contact, whether it’s the next town down the road or all points around world. Tbaytel, the largest telecommunications company in Northwestern Ontario, has long been driving the cutting edge of that tech evolution.

But connecting the Town of Marathon had its share of logistical problems – our beautiful landscape has a downside. “Vast terrain and low population density make it a challenge,” said Tbaytel President and CEO Dan Topatigh. Bringing in high-speed Internet service requires laying a physical fibre line over long distances through the rugged Canadian Shield. It wasn’t a problem Tbaytel could undertake on its own. Luckily, it didn’t have to.

The Solution

Business-friendly Marathon understood the importance of bringing high-speed fibre Internet along with upgraded TV and Security services right to the doors of 1,875 businesses and residences. Partnering with Terrace Bay, the two communities secured provincial funding to help cover project costs. That combined with Tbaytel’s sizable investment brought blazing-fast Gigabit speeds to the North Shore, connecting Marathon and the world.

The Result

Today, businesses and residents in Marathon enjoy Internet with speeds as fast as any major city in the world. The project also helped spur new commercial opportunities. Tbaytel opened a new store in Marathon and is now able to offer its Five-Bundle Suite of Mobility, Home Phone, Internet, TV and Security to the town. Bringing high-speed telecommunications will also encourage new businesses to open or locate here.

“I am thrilled that we could partner with Tbaytel on this project,” said Marathon Mayor Rick Dumas. “This will provide our residents and the surrounding communities the opportunity to have access to the most up-to-date telecommunication equipment and services that are essential to our daily lives.”