Internet Connectivity

Internet 101 - Definitions & Terminology

Internet and Connectivity are terms used extensively throughout our webpage and content.

Internet is simply the product individuals want to subscribe to and use while connectivity refers to the way people are hooked up to the Internet, and may include dial-up telephone lines, cable, always-on broadband connections, Satellite, Hotspots and Wireless.

We would like to highlight some differences in the latter – connectivity – for your awareness.  Internet connection options vary by Internet Service Provider (ISP) and by region. Customers should consider some of the following factors before selecting an Internet package: speed or bandwidth, cost, availability, reliability and convenience. In order to determine what Internet plan is right for you, we recommend you review the different types of Internet connections available on the market today.

Understanding The Differences Between Internet Connections

When determining which type of Internet connection is right for you or your family, it's important to understand the distinction between each connection. In today's age, there are numerous ways to connect laptops, desktops, mobile phones, gaming consoles, e-readers and tablets to the Internet. Some of the most widely used Internet connections are described below.

Wireless

Radio frequency bands are used in place of telephone or cable networks. One of the greatest advantages of wireless Internet connections is the "always-on" connection that can be accessed from any location that falls within network coverage. Wireless connections are made possible through the use of a modem, which picks up Internet signals and sends them to other devices.

Mobile

Many cell phone and smartphone providers offer voice plans with Internet access. Mobile Internet connections provide good speeds and allow you to access the Internet.

Hotspots

Hotspots are sites that offer Internet access over a wireless local area network (WLAN) by way of a router that then connects to an Internet service provider. Hotspots utilize Wi-Fi technology, which allows electronic devices to connect to the Internet or exchange data wirelessly through radio waves. Hotspots can be phone-based or free-standing, commercial or free to the public.

Dial-up 

Dial-up connections require users to link their phone line to a computer in order to access the Internet. This particular type of connection—also referred to as analog—does not permit users to make or receive phone calls through their home phone service while using the Internet.

Broadband

This high-speed Internet connection is provided through either cable or telephone companies. One of the fastest options available, broadband Internet uses multiple data channels to send large quantities of information. The term broadband is shorthand for broad bandwidth. Broadband Internet connections such as DSL and cable are considered high-bandwidth connections. Although many DSL connections can be considered broadband, not all broadband connections are DSL.

DSL

DSL, which stands for Digital Subscriber Line, uses existing 2-wire copper telephone line connected to one's home so service is delivered at the same time as landline telephone service. Customers can still place calls while surfing the Internet.

Cable

Cable Internet connection is a form of broadband access. Through use of a cable modem, users can access the Internet over cable TV lines. Cable modems can provide extremely fast access to the Internet.

Satellite

In certain areas where broadband connection is not yet offered, a satellite Internet option may be available. Similar to wireless access, satellite connection utilizes a modem.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)

ISDN allows users to send data, voice and video content over digital telephone lines or standard telephone wires. The installation of an ISDN adapter is required at both ends of the transmission—on the part of the user as well as the Internet access provider.

There are quite a few other Internet connection options available, including T-1 lines, T-3 lines, OC (Optical Carrier) and other DSL technologies.

As you decide what Internet connection is the best fit for your needs, you may wish to narrow down your selection based on your preferred download and upload speeds, or based on deals and pricing options through an Internet Service Provider.

ISP (Internet Service Provider)

An ISP is a company that provides Internet connections and services to individuals and organizations. In addition to providing access to the Internet, ISPs may also provide software packages (such as browsers), e-mail accounts, and a personal Web site or home page.

Internet Service Providers

Connected North

Let Connected North help you find services to connect in Northern Ontario. We all need to be connected. However access to the services that allow us to connect can be tough to find when you live in Northern Ontario. The open spaces and the rugged beauty that draw us and keep us here can also create obstacles.

The Connected North website was created to help you find services to connect in Northern Ontario. Stay connected to the office, to loved ones and to the rest of the world.

Find out who provides high speed internet services at your home or business on the Connected North website.

Council Updates

Muskoka Lakes Council has identified improving access to affordable, high-speed, broadband Internet for residents and businesses in Muskoka as a priority in both the Township of Muskoka Lakes Strategic Plan and Economic Development Strategy (2020).

Council resolutions related to broadband

C-3-11/11/20 - Broadband Pole Attachments Fees

Regional Updates - Muskoka Economic Recovery Task Force

Muskoka Economic Recovery Task Force (MERTF)

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, District of Muskoka Council endorsed the creation of a Muskoka Economic Recovery Task Force in May 2020 to work collaboratively to minimize the effects of the pandemic on the local economy. Broadband has been identified by the Task Force as a critical focus in the recovery response and the group is pursuing the creation of a Gap Analysis and Regional Broadband Strategy for Muskoka. 

The purpose of this endeavour is:

• To take a proactive approach to creating a broadband solution in Muskoka led by the public sector to ensure that strategy prioritizes overall public benefit instead of short-term return on investment; and
• To undertake a service gap analysis and identify implementation priorities to improve broadband service delivery in Muskoka; and
• To research best practices and create an actionable implementation plan that identifies roles and responsibilities of government and ISPs; and
• To establish connectivity guidelines to ensure Muskoka is forward-thinking and future focused; and
• To create an environment of coordination and collaboration within the public and private sector, while encouraging investments in connectivity; and
• To become equipped with the required technical information and expertise to be able to pursue future funding opportunities as they arise and signal Muskoka’s intent of being “application ready” for funding support from programs offered by senior levels of government.

To learn more about the Muskoka Economic Recovery Task Force (MERTF) visit the Engage Muskoka website. 

Parry Sound Muskoka Regional Broadband Initiative

This group meets quarterly to ensure information sharing and alignment across the region. It includes broad representation from across Parry Sound and Muskoka with each community having a representative at the CAO/Mayor (or designate) level.  

Federal/Provincial Government Broadband Resources & Announcements

• Federal Government announces Universal Broadband Fund 
• Ontario Investing Nearly $1 Billion to Expand and Improve Broadband and Cellular Access

• Elon Musk's satellite internet plan gets green light from Canadian regulator

• The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) puts its support behind satellite internet service
• Federal government announces $2 billion to support broadband infrastructure 
• Internet service in Cottage Country information from the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Association

Test Your Internet Speed to Help Build Better Access to Broadband in Muskoka

Broadband access has been identified as a key priority for both residents and businesses by the District and the Muskoka Economic Recovery Task Force (MERTF).  Several federal and or provincial funding programs are anticipated, including the one recently announced by the federal government. 

To help position Muskoka to take best advantage of these broadband funding programs, MERTF is working with partners to identify needs through speed testing and gap analysis.  To help with that work, the Task Force is encouraging all residents and business owners in Muskoka to test the speeds of their current internet service using a tool available on the Engage Muskoka Broadband page.

“The District recognizes that access to broadband is an essential service for our area as it enables local communities to develop, attract, retain and expand job creating businesses,” said Chair Klinck.  “We also must ensure that all Muskoka families have access to high-quality, affordable internet service to meet their children’s online learning and training needs.”

“Speed testing is an important data point to help planners understand and profile the District’s broadband capability,” said David Sword, MERTF Lead “Speed test data can also help further any future applications for broadband funding assistance from the Federal and Provincial Governments.”

Residents and businesses can use the test tool to measure actual internet speed at their properties (the speed to both upload and download data) and are encouraged to take several speed tests to capture the variation in speed associated with different times of day.

For more information about the internet speed testing and broadband gap analysis work underway, please visit Engage Muskoka Broadband page and sign up for updates.

Public Wi-Fi Locations

• Muskoka Lakes Public Library - Port Carling
  • 69 Joseph St., Port Carling, ON, POB 1J0
  • Phone: 705-765-5650
• Muskoka Lakes Public Library - Bala
  • 100 Maple Ave, Bala, ON, P0C 1A0
  • Phone: 705-762-1086
• Township of Muskoka Lakes Municipal Office - Currently Closed to Public
  • Bailey Street, Port Carling, ON, P0B 1J0
  • Phone: 1-705-765-3156
• Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce Office
  • 3181 Muskoka Rd 169, Bala, ON  P0C 1A0
  • Phone: 705-762-5663