Local cable Internet on Shaw’s agenda

First digital cable–and then cable Internet–are on Shaw’s agenda for Fort Frances.
Although the timeline was not revealed, after just launching digital cable in Dryden, Shaw Communications president Peter Bissonnette said the same is planned for Fort Frances.
“All of these communities are going to get it, we are being very active,” Bissonnette said from his Calgary office.
“We’re going to be looking at our schedule and our priorities over the next month,” added vice-president and Shaw Cablesystems G.P. Ron Bell.
Digital cable was made available in Dryden last Thursday, offering Shaw subscribers up to 160 channels of television, including children’s programming, quality digital music, headline concerts, first-rate movies, and special events.
Dryden residents also will be able to receive 40 channels of uninterrupted digital music, interactive program guides, the Movie Network, Moviepix, and Pay Per View movies, special events, and exclusive programs.
Once marketing and subscriptions for the digital cable are sorted out, cable Internet is expected to be introduced there.
“It’s as soon as we get these communities on to our backbone, which is our plan,” said Bissonnette.
Although Shaw outlets in Northwestern Ontario reportedly have been for sale, Bissonnette noted the company is not actively looking for a buyer nor giving them away.
“Certainly I think we’ve said it openly that we are open to any reasonable offers,” he remarked.