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1. What are the benefits to residents?

The project would have several potential benefits:

• Increased speed and reliability of internet services in the community, including to residents, businesses and schools
• More choice of internet service providers and range of services
• Support economic growth and jobs by attracting tech and knowledge-based businesses

2. When can I get service from the network?

Once the final agreement is reached with the consortium (targeted for the second quarter of 2021), we will have a more detailed schedule of construction throughout Beaumont and when residents will be able to access the network through an internet service provider.

3. Will I be able to keep my current service provider?

Existing internet service providers, such as Telus and Shaw, will be able to use the network, as will any other service provider. In fact, residents could see more choice in service providers as a result of building an open-access network in Beaumont with the highest-speed infrastructure available.

We need to take advantage of this opportunity to be first.

As with all technology, things move fast and those at the head of the pack reap early benefits. 10-gig can be a boost for our region and province by making Beaumont a sandbox for companies that need 10-gig to develop their products and grow their companies.

4. Will the network use Huawei technology?

No. The partners we are in discussion with will not use Huawei, period.

5. Does this include 5G technology? What are the health impacts of 5G technology?

The project will not include 5^th generation wireless, or 5G, technology at first. Though there is an option to add it later.

International health authorities, including the World Health Organization and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have determined that the weight of scientific evidence has not shown any link between cell phones and health problems.

6. Will this mean the streets in the city and my yard have to be ripped up?

Disruption to city streets and property can be kept to a minimum using directional drilling and working within certain utility rights of way. In some cases, there may be some disruption or shallow trenching required in yards. In those cases, remediation is included to restore the property to its original condition and minimize the impact for residents.