By Roy L Hales
After more than two decades with local internet provider Twincomm, Dino Tsakonas has become the face of CityWest throughout much of the region. Now Tsakonas is CityWest’s regional manager for Cortes and Quadra Islands.
In an interview with CKTZ, he talks about his time with the company and gives a few more details about the Last Mile project that will bring more reliable high speed internet to homes on Cortes and Quadra Islands, as well as other communities throughout our region.
“It really started with me being involved in the undersea fibre project, that was the partnership between the SRD (Strathcona Regional District) and CityWest. I was heavily involved because I was trying to get more fibre for Twincomm, “ he explained. “What happened was, we were trying to work out a deal last fall, between Twincomm and City West, that kind [of] fell through a little bit and then CityWest just offered me a job.”
As regional manager, he is overseeing a potential expansion into multiple islands — including Quadra and Texada Islands — as well as potentially Bliss Landing, Powell River and yet to be revealed parts of Vancouver Island.
But one of his first actions was to get Twincomm and CityWest back to the negotiating table.
“Right now, we are in negotiations to see if CityWest can purchase Twincomm,” he explained.
The areas where fibre optic cable is expected to reach land on Cortes Island. Photo courtesy of CityWest.
Tsakonas is still working out of his home on Cortes Island.
Cortes will also be the first local location where fibre optic cables are brought directly into the homes. In the interview below, he discusses the use of a technology that can go under roads, without disturbing them.
Tsakonas advises everyone on Cortes to get it while its free.
He also talks about different different service and pricing levels.
Links of Interest:
- (CityWest) Citywest Begins “dropping in” to Cortes Island and Announces Partnership Agreement With Twincomm
- (SRD) High-speed internet arrives soon on Cortes Island via the Connected Coast project
- (Cortes Currents) articles about, or mentioning, the Connected Coast project
- (Cortes Currents) articles about or mentioning CityWest
- (Cortes Currents) articles about or mentioning Twincomm