WiFi and Cellular Improvements Boost Stratford's Connectivity in Advance of
Canada 3.0 2010 Forum
STRATFORD, ON, April 19 /CNW/ - Attendees at the upcoming Canada 3.0 2010 forum May 10-11 will enjoy improved cellular connectivity following concerted effort to make Stratford one of the most connected places to live and work in Canada. This city, renowned for artistic creativity, manufacturing and agricultural leadership, has wasted no time in reinventing itself for the digital era.
"The City conducted research and concluded that a technology-enhanced community is critical to future economic success, and as the host to the Canada 3.0 2010 forum and the University of Waterloo's Stratford Campus, we need to show leadership to communities across the country," said Stratford Mayor Dan Mathieson.
A number of strategic initiatives were undertaken to drive Stratford's digital leadership foray:
- worked with Festival Hydro Services Inc. to implement a downtown core WiFi 'hot- spot' for leading-edge business connectivity and serving the Waterloo Stratford Campus using latest technology; - enabled vastly improved cellular connectivity working with Bell Canada and Rogers Communications for the Rotary Complex, the facility that houses Canada 3.0 forums; - sponsored social media seminars to help businesses and residents understand how to leverage networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube; - plans to deploy within months WiFi-based smart meters for hydro customers that not only meet but surpass Ontario standards by also providing WiFi communications services throughout the city - making the entire city a WiFi hot-spot.
"Stratford has gone digital thanks to the progress made in the last year, and we expect the Canada 3.0 forum will enjoy a level of connectivity needed for all Canadians," said Kevin Tuer, Managing Director of the Canadian Digital Media Network, which is organizing Canada 3.0 2010 with the Waterloo Stratford Campus.
One of the influencers for digital improvements in the city is the Waterloo Stratford Campus which is dedicated to research, education and engagement in the digital media sector. With students arriving this fall, the Waterloo Stratford Campus will be developing talent needed to support the digital media sector in future.
"The WiFi connectivity implemented in Stratford's downtown core will enable our students and researchers to utilize the latest technology in the creative and technical projects undertaken at the campus," said Ken Coates, Dean of Arts at the University of Waterloo. "We're delighted to have had the opportunity to collaborate with the City to enhance digital initiatives here."
Coates says the progress made in connecting Stratford demonstrates that the Canada 3.0 2010 'Moon Shot' -- targeting all Canadians to be able to do anything on-line in time for Canada's 150th birthday in 2017 - is actually attainable. The Mayor supports that objective adding "it's all about making communications mobile and being able to connect -- whether it's from a cell phone, laptop, or a smartphone -- from the office, home or the local hockey arena."
"Ultimately we're working to make Stratford an example of how Canada can move into the digital economy and create jobs and opportunities," said Mathieson.
About Canada 3.0 2010
Canada 3.0 2010 is a forum organized by the Canadian Digital Media Network www.cdmn.ca (less than)http://www.cdmn.ca/(greater than) and the University of Waterloo Stratford Campus www.stratfordcampus.uwaterloo.ca intended to advance Canada's strength in digital media. The CDMN will link Canada's digital media expertise and capability from coast-to-coast, enabling collaboration between researchers, implementers and entrepreneurs.
For further information: Media Contacts: Shelley Grandy, Canada 3.0 2010 Sr. PR Advisor, (905) 866-2656, [email protected], [email protected]; Michael Strickland, Waterloo Media Relations, (519) 888-4777, [email protected]
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