BCNET , a non-profit society for the development of advanced networks within the province, announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Prince George and the University of Northern British Columbia.

The agreement was signed by Mayor Colin Kinsley, City of Prince George; Dr. Charles Jago, President of UNBC; and Michael Hrybyk, President & CEO of BCNET.

"This Memorandum of Understanding demonstrates the importance of collaborating with various public, private and community groups to put in place a system that can bring the world to all parts of Northern British Columbia", said Colin Kinsley, Mayor of the City of Prince George. "The MoU demonstrates a firm commitment by all Parties to the advancement of information and communications technologies in the Prince George region. We believe advanced networks like the Prince George Transit Exchange, will play an instrumental role in advancing this region's long-term economic and social viability."

The MOU outlines the partnership agreement between the three parties as they move forward to bring advanced networks to the North. All three parties will be working together to manage and oversee the Prince George Transit Exchange (PGTX): the northern hub of the provincial research and education network called the ORAN (Optical Regional Advanced Network). UNBC, City Hall, Prince George Library and Prince George Regional Hospital will all be connected to each other, and to other ORAN participants in Vancouver and Victoria over the provincial high-speed network. ORAN participants in Prince George will also have access to their colleagues across Canada over CANARIE's CA*net4 and to valuable online research and education resources worldwide.

"The Optical Research Advanced Network links UNBC to universities across Canada and throughout the world by means of a high speed, broad band fibre optic network," said UNBC President Dr. Charles Jago. "This new capacity will foster greater collaboration between researchers and enable us to develop innovative course delivery options for programs such as the Northern Medical Program. It will also enable us to better serve our region by creating enhanced networking capacity in Prince George."

By connecting to BCNET's ORAN, PGTX participants will have increased research and education capabilities over the Internet, of up to 2 Gigabits per second compared to the pre-existing 10 Megabits per second link. The upgraded provincial network provides a Prince George link that is 200 times faster.

"Speed and bandwidth are important elements when we're talking about high technology innovation and development," said Hrybyk. "The ORAN will provide researchers and educators in the North with the ability to collaborate, work efficiently, and compete effectively in the evolving technology marketplace."

BCNET (www.bc.net) is a non-profit society supporting and promoting advanced networks for the province's research and education communities. The organization serves BC's universities, research and development institutions, government bodies, community organizations and industry groups. BCNET is the province's foremost leader in advanced network technology and is leading the way for enhancing education and research capabilities over the Internet. BCNET is supported by the provincial and federal governments as well as by its regional university members.