There is a lot to be said for shopping at locally owned businesses.
Aside from the feel-good factor of often knowing the people you’re doing business with, dollars spent in the community tend to come back around in the form of supporting other businesses, sponsoring youth sports and other local organizations, and even volunteering where needed.
And when the local company can offer those goods or services at the same or better rates than their giant corporate competitors, everyone wins. That’s certainly the case with the internet services offered by Lakeland Networks, explains Dave Keith, the company’s Director of Business Development and Operations.
“Our team members live, work and play in the communities they service,” he says. “We are cost-affordable and in line with other similar products.”
Lakeland Networks delivers communication services and has been operating for over 10 years in Muskoka and the surrounding areas. They provide exceptional internet services – both fibre optic and wireless broadband – as well as phone and digital TV.
The location of the home or cottage determines the services available – as with any communications company. Homes that are on the fibre network enjoy world-class speeds of up to 1000 Mbps or better. They continue to expand their service areas, adding fibre and wireless broadband networks throughout the region.
Lakeland Holding, the parent company of Lakeland Networks, Lakeland Power, Lakeland Energy, and Bracebridge Generation, is wholly owned by six local municipalities: Bracebridge, Huntsville, Parry Sound, Burk’s Falls, Sundridge, and Magnetawan.
This local connection is most evident when a customer calls the office. On the other end of the call is a real person working in either Huntsville or Bracebridge, ready and willing to help. They may even have driven past your house, and will certainly know your road.
Lakeland’s loyal staff connect the communities they live in – some are born and raised Muskokans, while others have moved here to raise families. They work, play, volunteer, and send their kids to school in the local community.
“We offer big city technology with cottage country service.”
Lakeland Networks has grown steadily in the region, now with over 7,300 customers and expanding from 20 to 50 employees in less than three years time.
“We take pride in our local ownership and service and are always looking to improve for the benefit of our current and future customers,” says CEO Chris Litschko.
TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI