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QINIQ – Satellite Network / ISP

Nunavut Canada

The QINIQ network serves 25 communities in Nunavut Canada with Wireless Broadband Internet services, delivered via satellite. Since its launch in 2005 the number of subscribers has steadily grown, and show no signs of slowing down.

Inuit comprise 85% of the population of Nunavut and are avid users of broadband services. Broadband is used to improve their educational, economic, social and cultural opportunities.

In the fall of 2002, Industry Canada announced the Broadband for Rural and Northern Development (BRAND) program. This became the catalyst for the creation of Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation (NBDC), a not for profit group tasked with identifying the territory's broadband needs. NBDC issued a comprehensive RFP to vendors and put the financing together. SSI micro won the RFP in the spring of 2004 and building of the QINIQ network began. NBDC worked with the Government of Canada, SSI Micro and many other organizations to put the deal together that saw the birth of QINIQ in 2005.

SSI designed & deployed the network while also providing significant funding to the project.

The network supports full mesh connectivity, allowing any site to talk to any other site in a single satellite hop. This is critical for voice and video conferencing technologies. Dynamic bandwidth allocation is also supported, allowing the network to efficiently allocate bandwidth where it is needed most. In order to maximize performance and reduce the impact of satellite latency, various technologies are used, including transparent web caches and IP accelerators. The QINIQ satellite infrastructure meets the current connectivity requirements for Nunavut and will be a strong platform for new services in the future.

The QINIQ network also utilizes licensed wireless technology to deliver service to both commercial and residential end users. As with the satellite component of this network, the municipal distribution system is quite advanced and boasts several distinguishing features. Firstly, the wireless solution is based on NLOS (Non Line of Sight) technology, meaning that users do not have to be able to see the antenna directly in order to get service. Secondly, the technology is extremely non-invasive, and does not require any external cabling or antennas. The wireless modems are very easy to use and can be self-installed by users. The QINIQ wireless network also utilizes a licensed frequency, minimizing the possibility of interference, and allowing for a greater broadcast power (improving signal strength and coverage.)

Features of the Network Include:

  • Full Mesh TDMA
  • Broadband DVB inbound
  • TCP Acceleration
  • Traffic Shaping
  • Bandwidth On Demand
  • Multi-Point Video Conferencing
  • Complete vISP Solution
  • Local Mail/Web/Cache
  • Wireless MAN
  • Full Roaming

The QINIQ network is managed centrally by SSI, who maintains the satellite infrastructure, the wireless networks, all back-end hardware as well as the billing and management systems.

Services are provided locally in each community by a Community Service
Provider, or “CSP”. The CSP is a local resident that signs up users, take payments, provide technical support to their clients and performs various other functions. The CSPs receive support and training from SSI Micro in Yellowknife and are an integral part of the team.

CSPs are a critical component of the service offering - they give clients the ability to deal with someone local, typically a long-time Northern resident who understands the culture and language of their community.

The CSP model features many benefits

  • CSPs receive a significant percentage of the gross revenue of the network each month, based on their customer base. This important revenue stream ensures that local people can build IT based businesses that succeed.
  • Training and education is provided to 25 Nunavut CSPs with bi-annual meetings and the development of a comprehensive online training centre.
  • Customers have the convenience of local service – no waiting for a representative to fly in before signing up for the service.
  • CSPs on the ground are aware of what is happening in each community. They provide immediate feedback on technical issues and the prediction of trends and future uses of broadband in remote Inuit communities.
  • CSPs manage local accounts using SSI Micro developed web resources in the form of ARIA, our simple to use billing and management system.

The QINIQ network received an award in 2005 from the annual awards conferred by the Wireless communications Association (WCA) for Provisioning Underserved Communities with NLOS Broadband Wireless Technology. “Wemmies” are awarded to carriers and vendors using advanced wireless technology to deliver broadband service in innovative ways that demonstrate outstanding technological advances or exemplary service

The QINIQ network was also an integral part off the 2005 designation of Nunavut as an "Intelligent Community" by the Intelligent Community Forum, a New York based think tank. The forum designates 21 communities per year globally as models for the development of prosperous local economies based on broadband and information technology.

To read the full history on this fascinating project click here