This is the page to explain the GACG wifi system. It will contain both technical, and simple information.

Why?

I began this project 5 years ago. People were always asking for the cheapest Internet, companies like Bell, Rogers, wanted contracts, $100 a month, and you paid even when you were away! $1200 a year? Initially I wanted to use WIFI, to cover the park. So I bought some very high powered WIFI access points. It didn’t work as I expected. You see, while it is possible to create a signal strong enough to cover the park, your home router or phone is NOT powerful enough to connect!

What?

CBRS ( Private LTE, Ongo ) While digging further, I discovered the CBRS system. It uses Cellular just like Rogers, Bell and Xplornet. It is low powered so it covers a smaller area, approximately 500 meters, which is perfect for the park, so I bought one, from a company called Baicells, set it up at my trailer and wow! I found that I could easily connect all around Horseshoe Circle. However, the transmitters ( known as eNODEb ) are directional, covering only 90 degrees, so, I bought another 3! giving 360 signal coverage. The Baicells equipment is virtually plug and play, the administration is handled by the Baicells company, through a portal, that they provide. Cost is only $3 per eNODEb per month. However, I have also built my own server (known as an EPC). There have been some challenges obtaining SIM cars from this US company, and with our own EPC, we are able to create our own unlimited SIMs

How it works

You would need to purchase a Router, just as you would do with Rogers or Bell. I have some simple routers, called MultiTech available for $20 each, but better, and more expensive routers are being tested now. You MIGHT be able to use your current LTE router, or phone to connect, but not all of them cover CBRS (B48, band 48) Apples greater than 11 do, and some high end Samsung.

Although the eNODEb have very low power, and are license free, the special tech used in the radios, allows reliable connections.

When?

I had a test system setup at my trailer, there are 10 people in the park testing, however, the antenna, was knocked down by wind, in April. No damage was caused to the equipment, or my trailer. I will be setting it up more securely, in the next week or 2. Also, I am installing 2 GB Internet, so I can increase the speed for my testers connection. If you would like to be a tester, email me at sales@canadian.net I have an additional 10 Routers to distribute. I am hoping that the board will allow me to install a TV tower, on the service shed, on Oriole. I am open to the board running the system, or myself, on a non-profit basis.

How is it so cheap?

The Baicells eNODEb, that I use, come from a company, called Pollen, who have shutdown operations in the USA. They are being offered, for ridiculous prices on eBay, and other sites. I bought all 4 for less than $100 CAD each. Also, many companies who were running these devices, have upgraded to 5g, leading to more surplus, on the market, however, 4g can still offer 100mb per second, with a good modem. Once we have a business Internet installed, which provides 2gb divided among the 200 residents, results in everybody being able to download 10mbs continuous! However Internet is rarely used that way, so much higher speeds are expected.