Internet upgrades coming to Queens Place

The internet service at Queens Place is getting a big upgrade in the coming weeks.

Council approved a motion that will see the service improved both for hardwired connections and wifi throughout the building.

The original configuration of internet in Queens Place has proved to be a thorn in the side of staff and visitors, with unreliable connections and slow service. Smaller solutions over the seven years of the facility’s operation have been met with limited success, so an overhaul is required.

Mayor David Dagley says this is a long-needed upgrade.

“Internet service at Queens Place Emera Centre has not been to the level that we would like it to be,” he said. “It’s being upgraded to provide more data for all those services.”

Upgrading the infrastructure will cost around $65,000 up front to add new access points and security equipment, while the ongoing service will cost $525 per month. The contract was awarded to Bell Aliant, and the upgrades are expected to be in place before the World Junior Curling Tournament in February.

Mayor Dagley noted the monthly cost will be about $50 less than what they are paying now.