FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 8, 2005
NBDC Uses Broadband to Webcast AGM

Iqaluit , NU – Members of the Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation (NBDC) watched the NBDC Annual General Meeting on a broadband webcast carried over the new QINIQ broadband network.



The main AGM meeting was held in Rankin Inlet on May 27th, 2005 with NBDC members watching the proceedings from computers in 16 different locations, all of which were hooked up via the new QINIQ broadband network service.
“I believe it is the first time the Internet has been used in this way in Nunavut – where the original webcast was done from a Nunavut community, and successfully received in multiple locations within Nunavut”, says Project Manager, Lorraine Thomas.

“Webcasting” is similar to “broadcasting”, as the signal is sent out from one place – casting video and audio over the Internet for others to watch and listen. This is done at a fraction of the cost of conventional broadcasting via television.
A new board of directors was elected by the membership, and Darrell Ohokannoak of Cambridge Bay was appointed Chairperson by the new directors at the first regular directors’ meeting held June 7th.

Mr. Ohokannoak explains the idea behind webcasting the AGM. “NBDC will experiment with broadband applications to help communicate with NBDC members all over Nunavut. Good broadband connections will help communities and regions feel closer together.” NBDC aims to be a leader in applying broadband tools in governance.

A group of 15 people watched the webcast from the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. offices in Iqaluit. The video from the webcast was projected onto a screen for everyone to see. Photos and a list of the newly elected board of directors are attached and can also be seen at www.nunavut-broadband.ca.

For more information, visit the NBDC web site at:
www.nunavut-broadband.ca
or contact:
Lorraine Thomas, Project Manager
Ph. (867) 979-0576, fax (867) 979-0080
Email: info@nunavut-broadband.ca or lorraine@qiniq.co