PORT HARDY—Keta Cable is expanding the availability of broadband access on the North Island.
Again.
The local television and internet service provider announced last week that it has a pending signed agreement with Shaw Communications that is expected to increase traffic limits, provide higher speeds and open up availability for new internet subscribers in the area in the coming year.
“This second circuit is Keta’s way of planning for the future, to ensure reliability and fulfill the increasing needs of internet consumers,” the company announced in a written release.
Earlier this year, Keta quadrupled its internet capacity through another agreement with Shaw.
The bandwidth was provided via radio towers running from Campbell River, over Newcastle Ridge to Alert Bay and, eventually, Port McNeill.
That increased capacity helped alleviate wait lists on the North Island that resulted for congestion and a lack of bandwidth.
Telus Communications has run a fibre-optic line to the region, which is expected to help further expand internet access. After a delay, Telus plans to connect the line early in 2015.