OLDS — A former director of Olds Fibre Ltd. (OFL) who has been critical of how and why that entity became a municipally controlled corporation says he sees the latest announcement about it as positive.
Olds Fibre Ltd. operates as O-NET, which provides high-speed internet and phone services.
On Tuesday, Aug. 16, the Town of Olds announced via a news release that it has entered into a partnership with two other tech-related companies: FourNetworks Inc. and Nation Fiber Corp.
“The announcement by the Town (of Olds) to enter a partnership with FourNetworks would appear to be an exciting opportunity for O-NET and the citizens of Olds,” Joe Gustafson wrote in an email to the Albertan.
Gustafson is a former director of Olds Fibre Ltd., which was created about 10 years ago to help local residents and businesses gain access to affordable high-speed internet services.
“O-NET has thrived to deliver the best telecommunications experience through innovation, reliable service and dedication to its customers and the joining with a large multi-layered company will ensure a secure future, with the same fast internet and reliability that we have come to trust," Gustafson wrote.
“Although not specifically mentioned in the announcement, Olds should continue to have O-NET Public (the free Wi-Fi network), the best internet, and telecommunications at any hospital in the county and the best customer service experience available anywhere,” he added.
“The ability of O-NET to deliver its services to other networks will ensure greater profits and the present debt will have a greater customer base to support it.
“Any doubt about becoming a customer of O-NET should now be removed, as this partnership will ensure that our community-owned network will continue to see the profits and benefits returned to Olds instead of Calgary or Vancouver.”
