LUNENBURG - Bell Aliant may be expanding its fibre optics network in Nova Scotia, but it doesn't appear that Lunenburg will be getting the upgraded technology any time soon.

 Back in September, Mayor Laurence Mawhinney wrote Karen Sheriff, Bell Aliant's president and CEO, inquiring as to when the expanded network might be available and what process would have to be followed in order to acquire it quicker if it will not be available in Lunenburg in the foreseeable future.

 "As you may be aware, the Town of Lunenburg is in a very unique position as the only small town in Canada designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site," the mayor wrote. "As a result we have attracted people and companies from all over the world to live and work in Lunenburg."

 He went on to say that many people were drawn to the town because it had high-speed internet when that technology was not common in some other areas of Nova Scotia.

 "We feel having a fibre optic network will be a very positive addition to our community," he added.

 In her response Ms Sheriff indicated that while Bell Aliant is having "tremendous success" with the rollout of fibre optics and is "very excited to share the benefits with other communities," the program is a very capital-intensive one.

 "We are still in the process of prioritizing our expansion areas for 2012," she replied, indicating that was done through analyzing potential profitability which tends to be driven by cost to build, aerial footprint, population density and other factors.

 "Right now, it is not clear that Lunenburg would be on the list for a very near term expansion," she said. "In the past, we have moved the priority order around when government funding has improved a local profitability. The province has already contributed to our launches in Halifax and Sydney. Lunenburg is certainly on our want list - the issue is when."

posted on 11/16/11