Iqaluit (Nov 22/04) - Jack Willie is ready to help Arctic Bay residents explore the world through high-speed Internet.

He was one of a dozen community service providers (CSP) from the Baffin region who spent some time training recently in preparation for the arrival of territory-wide broadband Internet access.

"I think it will bring a lot of information to the community," said Willie.

CSPs are to act as points of contact for the Nunavut Broadband Development Corp. -- the watchdog and monitoring agent of Nunavut's broadband network -- in each of Nunavut's 25 communities.

They learned about everything from Internet hardware to troubleshooting to handling payments. They're paid a commission for every customer they sign up.

Most communities will not have enough customers to make the CSP job full-time but everyone seems excited about the potential of the new network.

After graduating from a two-year information technology diploma course in June, Willie has been looking for work in the IT industry.

"There are not any jobs as an IT technician back home. This will be the next step that I can take."

Robert McLean worries his community of Sanikiluaq will be the last to have access to the system because of its remote location.

When the service does arrive in Sanikiluaq, however, it could mean a world of difference, he said.

About five years ago, after paying high long distance fees for connection to the Internet through Iqaluit, McLean began a small business as an Internet service provider.

Although he has 25 to 30 customers - and charges up to $4 an hour - McLean said he is still paying out about $400 a month to provide the service.

Broadband Internet fees will be $60 a month for unlimited access, about half of what McLean charges for much slower service.

Users will also pay a refundable deposit for the wireless modem.

"I'm looking at least doubling my customers," said McLean.

With the faster broadband service, he wants to make use of virtual video clips on a web site he uses to sell carvings.

"It's a big step up from just seeing a two-dimensional picture," he said.

About 15 communities now have the proper equipment installed, said Jeff Philipp, president of the Yellowknife-based SSI Micro, which will run the network.

Compared to dial-up Internet access, broadband will be significantly faster and allow for applications such as desktop video conferencing and on-the-job training.

Broadband will also not tie up a person's home phone line. The network could be running by Christmas, assuming installation stays on schedule and an anticipated federal subsidy is approved.