INUVIK - Last week Connect NWT held a discussion in Inuvik on the possible benefits of expanding high speed Internet into smaller communities in the NWT.

The session was part of a week-long campaign in the region by the organization, a planning group aiming to improve Internet services offered to small communities.

Broadband Internet is being installed in various small communities in the NWT this year, with some already receiving service.

The discussion group was held in the boardroom of the regional director for the office of the executive, Peter Clarkson.

Clarkson said that bandwidth would have to be increased in Inuvik before any real services could be offered.

"We don't have enough in Inuvik to support our needs as it is," said Clarkson.

"Without the bandwidth, it's not worth banging our heads against the wall yet."

Clarkson said the use could be endless for students in isolated communities who want to get more courses in their hometowns.

"The demand is there for broadband services, students in the communities will use it," he said.

"When we went to university we didn't have e-mail, now our kids have three each."

New North Networks president Tom Zubko said bandwidth has always been an issue in the North.

"That is the biggest problem on my mind," said Zubko.

Arctic Digital owner Bernie MacNeil said the current system for connecting Internet to Inuvik needs to be increased before it can branch to other communities.

"The current set up is flawed," said MacNeil.

Connect NWT project administrator Brian Desjardins was in Inuvik to meet with some local business owners who might be interested in becoming involved with the group.

"Health care and education will be affected with newer services and video conferencing," said Desjardins.Desjardins said his group wants to expand the possibilities of what could be offered by the new broadband Internet service.

"Connect NWT is a large group of organizations which includes all levels of government and non-government organizations," said Desjardins.

"We get together to discuss the benefits of these tools that are now being offered throughout the North."

Some communities, such as Sachs Harbour, are already online. Other communities, such as Aklavik, are waiting for their infrastructure to be installed and powered.

Connect NWT held a symposium in Yellowknife in early February to showcase what services could be offered through broadband Internet.