Telecommunications
TBayTel is Canada’s largest independently owned telecommunications company. Owned by the Corporation of the City of Thunder Bay, TBayTel is a full service telecommunications carrier operating a digitally switched fibre optic based network throughout the City of Thunder Bay and twenty one (21) surrounding townships. In addition to its local presence, they currently provide Internet and advanced broadband data services to several communities located throughout Northwestern Ontario. TBayTel is also the region’s largest Mobility provider, with service that extends from north of Sault Ste. Marie to the Manitoba border. TBayTel brings over 100 years of proven performance in the delivery of quality, reliable and affordable communications solutions to customers. From its origins in 1902, TBayTel has pioneered new technologies in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.
The following sections briefly discuss key aspects of TBayTel’s network and available products. Additional details can be provided upon request.
Switching and Transport
TBayTel has two Nortel DMS 100 switches with CS2K in its network. The offices are both equipped to support in excess of 50,000 lines each and together host approximately 30 remotes throughout TBayTel’s wireline serving area. TBayTel’s host offices are also equipped with Centrex, ISDN, and IP capability for PSTN access as well as associated services such as voice messaging.
All of TBayTel’s host and key core offices are equipped with diesel generators and batteries to protect against AC outages. Fire suppression and secure access limited to TBayTel employees are also features of TBayTel’s office facilities.
All toll and inter office trunking utilizes CCS7 signaling. TBayTel has a mated pair of Tekelec Eagle STP’s controlling the CCS7 network. The CCS7 links are provisioned in pairs so that if one fails the other will automatically carry all of the traffic. TBayTel’s STP’s are connected to Bell Aliant’s SS7 network.
TBayTel’s core transport back bone consists of Dense Wave Division Multiplexing equipment along with a number of SONET based OC 48 systems configured in bi directional rings. OC 3 and OC 12 tributaries are used for smaller office connections.
TBayTel has over 300km of fibre in its core network. Connectivity to the network from locations in commercial areas for higher capacity applications can be easily accommodated for most cases. Transport to customer premise locations can be provided in either conventional TDM forms or via TBayTel’s Layer 2 Ethernet based facilities by either copper or fibre.
Network Management
TBayTel has installed a network wide management system from Smarts-In-Charge. The system interfaces to TBayTel’s network elements and to the network element management systems to poll available performance and utilization data as well as the status of network links. The system is designed to perform root cause analysis in the event of a hard fault to aid in the timely dispatch of the appropriate service personnel. The system will also proactively alert operations of potential developing network conditions before this could affect customer service.
National Carrier Interconnections
TBayTel has interconnections for national toll data and voice with Bell, MTS Allstream, and Telus. TBayTel staff would be pleased to discuss and assess specific arrangements as required.
Customer Premise Solutions
TBayTel has been an authorized Meridian 1 and Centrex dealer for over 15 years and has a strong base of experienced and skilled engineers, installers and repair personnel. TBayTel will also draw upon third party partner relationships as needed to satisfy customer requirements. TBayTel offers a full range of customer premise switching, networking, and structured cabling solutions to meet any business need.
Complete Product Suite
In addition to TBayTel’s landline and customer premise voice service capabilities described above, TBayTel also provides Mobility, Internet, Long Distance, Security and Managed IT services.
TBayTel provides superior local and regional Mobility coverage and has a wide range of plans to suit business and residential service requirements. Arrays of handsets are available as well as advanced business services such as Blackberry. TBayTel has extensive voice and data roaming agreements with carriers across North America and abroad.
Internet access is available throughout TBayTel’s network. TBayTel has invested extensively in its core and access networks to provide increased data rate capability and enhanced reliability. Access using private line, LAN, or xDSL can easily be provided as well as flexibility for addressing, e-mail and hosting.
Competitively priced long distance services are available from TBayTel or from other carriers in the marketplace. TBayTel would be happy to assess the intended calling requirements and provide a proposal.
Security services are new to TBayTel’s product portfolio. A full suite of intrusion or environmental alarm installation and monitoring options is available. TBayTel can also provide camera or card access systems to address physical security as part of a complete business installation.
TBayTel’s Direct IT solutions group is also new to TBayTel. DirectIT offers a cost effective option to address IT and networking requirements through hosted e-mail, storage, server and backup services. DirectIT can also provide options for hardware and software procurement and ongoing management/maintenance as well as for the development of custom applications.
TBayTel – Your Telecommunications Business Partner
TBayTel has the capability to address virtually every business communications need. TBayTel also has a vested interest in the economic development of Thunder Bay and the Northwestern Ontario region. Flexible and tailored solutions to suit specific requirements for either services or pricing are our goal. Our team of over 400 local professionals will work to ensure that new installations exceed expectations and to ensure on-going service continuity.
Visit the TBayTel website for more information.
