SpaceX Starlink Update
CNBC has reported that the SpaceX Starlink internet service is now beta testing and that rural Canadians will have access to this service soon.
This service uses interconnected low earth orbit satellites to provide wi-fi access to individuals who have an outdoor mounted antenna. And although the estimated US$99 monthly fee is rather expensive, this service will give access to smaller communities that are much too remote for regular access.
The initial speed will be 50Mb/s to 150Mb/s, with latencies from 20ms to 40ms. But SpaceX expects to improve its systems further.
The current Federal government is also hastening its high-speed internet expansion plans in response to the pandemic according to CTV News so rural Canadians should hopefully be able to get more reasonable monthly rates in the future.
New Music Streaming Service
Amazon Music HD is now up and running and offering millions of tracks at 2 to 10 times the bitrate of other services.
New users from Canada that live outside of Quebec will be able to take advantage of a limited time offer to listen for free for 90 days.
RIP Gerry McGhee 1962-2020
Brighton Rock lead singer and record executive Gerry McGhee has passed away from cancer at age 58.
Known primarily for ’80s glam rock singles “We Came To Rock“, “Can’t Wait For The Night” and “One More Try“, Brighton Rock had disbanded shortly after the release of their third studio album, 1991’s “Love Machine“. But had occasionally regrouped for concerts and tours in England and Canada from 2001 to 2014, releasing a live album entitled “A Room for Five Live” in 2002.
In 1996, Gerry McGee had founded music distributor Isotope Music Inc and in 2016 became vice-president of Precision Records, North America’s second-largest vinyl pressing facility.
App & iTunes Card Offer
PC Optimum members that purchase a $50 App & iTunes gift card at Shopper Drug mart stores on or before August 28th, 2020 will get 7500 points, which is basically a $7.50 value.
Additional information on this offer can be found by clicking here.
Live Music for 60 days
Canadian iPhone and iPad owners now have access to 60 days of live music via the #beapp, thanks to Coca Cola. Click on the icon below to download this app.
Canada Day To Go Virtual
In light of the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic and the government’s priority of keeping Canadians safe, Canadian Heritage has decided to host Canada Day virtually. Details will be announced soon. #CanadaDayhttps://t.co/jDcqEl6Iw1 pic.twitter.com/210uNAPSY8
— Canadian Heritage (@CdnHeritage) April 17, 2020
The cancellation of Canada Day celebrations on the Hill is regrettable, but it's the right decision to keep everyone safe. I'll be celebrating our country virtually with Canadians from coast to coast on July 1st, and I look forward to welcoming you all back to Ottawa in 2021!
— Jim Watson (@JimWatsonOttawa) April 17, 2020