November 8, 2011

LyttonNet is now in it's fifth year of serving low cost High Speed Internet to the Fraser Canyon near Lytton and we are continuing to expand our network coverage and capabilities in 2011.

We currently have about 300 residential and business subscriber customers in addition to many Token customers.   LyttonNet serves  wireless (WIFI) internet to our Subscriber and Token customers from 13 towers, covering more than 75km (47 miles) of the Fraser Canyon near Lytton as well as Botanie valley, Fountain Valley, and over 5km (3 miles) of the Thompson River East of Lytton. For more information on our current and future coverage please see our coverage map.

Lyttonnet is committed to operating a fast and reliable network.  Please contact us immediately by phone if you are experiencing problems with your connection.  We have trained technicians, here in Lytton to answer your call and get your problem resolved quickly.  You will not be talking to "James" in India!

Several improvement projects are underway at present to improve the quality of service for our existing customers and to extend our service to new customers.  These include:

1. Upgrade of network backbone links to add 3.6 GHz licensed spectrum using MIMO technology.  This will offer faster and more reliable internet for customers during peak hours.  We have already implemented this technology both South and North of Lytton and network performance improved with average ping latencies dropping from 8ms to 1ms.
2. PLANNING STAGE: We are performing a feasibility evaluation for Fibre to Block service for customers in Lytton and other cluster communities.   This will be a real benefit in downtown Lytton where radio spectrum is crowded and interference is more common.   Fibre to Block will allow us to increase service speed for typical customers from 4Mbps to 12Mbps or more, keeping in line with cable service in urban areas like Vancouver.  As always, the infrastructure will belong to our community - not a distant corporation headquartered in another country!
3. We now offer on-line direct payment through Bank of Nova Scotia as well as VISA or Mastercard payment.
4. Customer service  - we want our customers to know they are #1 .  Look out for several Lyttonnet customer care changes in the following months.
5. Installation of new server cabinet and remote access switching to our servers
6. Upgrades of client hardware to improve internet speeds - we have begun pilot testing new client equipment that is 802.11n and MIMO capable.  If you live in the Village of Lytton or in Loring Way area you may receive an offer for a free upgrade in the near future.
7. Installation of two new towers to replace existing masts at the Village Office
8. Design and construction of new repeaters to serve Gladwin, Nicoamen Band, Fountain Valley (North) and Texas Creek area.  These network extensions will allow us to serve over 200 customers in remote areas East and North of Lytton where dial-up or satellite are the only options.

Things don't just happen!  A big thank you is in order for the dedicated volunteers and contracted staff of Lytton Area Wireless Society and many others who continue to work long hours so we can all 'get connected' - and stay connected!.  Read "About Us" for a more detailed description of what Lyttonnet is and the individuals behind it.  You may also wish to visit our page on Facebook for more information.

LyttonNet is a community resource - it is your project.  Every subscription dollar goes to keeping the network running and extending it for others.  If you find deficiencies in the system, would like various features, would like to extend the service area, by all means get involved!  The strength of LyttonNet lies in the our collective effort to improve and preserve what we have.

Dan Mundall