KDSB working to connect the district

Tim Brody - Editor

The Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) has been working with First Nation communities and education councils within the District of Kenora to connect as many families as possible who currently have limited or inadequate access to reliable high-quality internet, to high-speed internet.
The Kenora District Services Board explained in a March 8 press release, “Through the support and funding of Canada’s Universal Broadband Rapid Response Stream project, the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) will be supporting 3,000 underserviced Indigenous and Non-Indigenous households in 44 communities across the District of Kenora to be connected to SpaceX’s Starlink internet service.”
The KDSB will offer two streams for applications open to the entire District:
Internal applications for individuals and families who are already existing KDSB clients and are deemed eligible.
Broader public rebate program to anyone who has a permanent residence (rent or own) within the Kenora District and who has purchased a Starlink kit on or after May 20, 2021. 
KDSB informed that, “The rebate program will provide Starlink customers with a rebate amount for 75% of the kit cost, which is a total of $535.50. This rebate covers the cost of the kit and $65.00 shipping fee, tax not included. Individuals are responsible for the purchase of their Starlink internet kit. 
“Applications for the rebate stream will be available at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Visit the KDSB homepage www.kdsb.on.ca under ‘KDSB Broadband Internet Project’.” KDSB further shared, “Starlink rebates are limited to Starlink cell capacity and project funding; those who apply may not necessarily receive a rebate. The deadline to apply for a rebate is August 31, 2022, or until project funding has been fully allocated. The rebate program will be provided on a first-come-first-served basis.” 
Those interested in applying must provide: 
Proof of kit purchase on or after May 20, 2021 
 - Photo of installed Starlink kit 
 - Latitude/Longitude 
 - of address 
 - Speed Test 
“The KDSB has created a funding stream that would ensure as many individuals and families as possible in our District could benefit from the program funding over the next 6 months. We are pleased to be able to offer the opportunity on a first-come-first-served basis to those who are eligible, as it will alleviate some of the financial impacts placed on households to access Starlink,” said Barry Baltessen, Board Chair of the KDSB. 
KDSB has partnered with FSET Information Technology out of Kenora, ON, to execute this project. More information about Starlink can be found at https://www.starlink.com/.  
More information on this project can be found at: http://kdsb.on.ca/kdsb-broadband-internet-project/