Better Together: Bolt + Open Network
And why that means more choice for residents.
When choosing an apartment, most people consider the unit, location, parking, pets and amenities. Which internet providers serve the building rarely makes the list.
That is, until you move in and discover your options are limited, or that you need to switch providers altogether.
Most apartment and condo buildings are wired for specific internet providers long before residents arrive. The developer chooses the infrastructure and decides which providers can install their equipment. Once those decisions are made, future residents may have only one or two options.
But what if the building’s fibre network could support multiple providers instead?
One network, more choice
That is the idea behind Kurnl.
Kurnl installs and operates a premium fibre network that approved Internet Service Providers can use to serve residents. Instead of each provider needing to build a separate network inside the building, they can offer service over shared infrastructure.
Residents can then compare the available providers and choose based on what matters to them, whether that is speed, price, flexibility or customer experience.
This model also lowers the barrier for smaller ISPs that might not otherwise have the resources to install their own infrastructure in every building. More providers can compete, and residents gain more choice.
Open-access networks are already established in markets including Sweden, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Canada is only beginning to explore the model, and Bolt is proud to be part of that shift.
Better infrastructure behind the scenes
Kurnl uses an Active Optical Network, or AON, designed to deliver reliable fibre connectivity and support equal upload and download speeds.
Because the network is actively managed, Kurnl can monitor its performance and respond quickly when an issue occurs - sometimes before residents even notice a disruption.
The same infrastructure could eventually support other connected services offered through the building’s marketplace, such as entertainment, home security and smart-building technology.
Where Bolt fits in
Bolt is still your Internet Service Provider. We provide your plan, manage your account and support you when you need help.
What we did not have to do was build another physical network inside your building. By operating on Kurnl’s infrastructure, we can focus our energy on creating a better internet experience: straightforward plans, fair pricing, simple account management and genuinely helpful support.
We also recognize what an open marketplace means: residents can choose another provider more easily.
We’re up for that challenge.
It pushes us to earn your business (and keep earning it) which is exactly how competition should work.
Visit boltinternet.ca to see whether Bolt is available in your building. If it isn’t available yet, you can sign up to be notified when it arrives.
