About MCSNet

A Commitment of Service for Rural Communities

MCSNet was founded in 1995, by 1998 the Internet services were expanded to provide DSL in St Paul, Alberta, and in 2002 wireless high speed service was launched as the first and only high speed solution for rural communities in the region at that time. Today, we are Alberta's largest fixed wireless ISP. We are focused on providing reliable high speed Internet and choice for Alberta's rural residents. Future pursuits include expanding our coverage areas to provide a high speed Internet option to more communities, and continuing to develop and provide more services to meet our customers' needs.

History

• MCSNet is a company with roots in St. Paul dating back to 1989. The name "MCS" is an acronym for Micro Computer Store. Micro Computer Store opened its doors in October 1989 after having operated for a few months as a home-based business. The company only had a small working area but served its clients very well.


• After a few years of continuous expansion, the Micro Computer Store added a division to its operation: a consumer electronics franchise was purchased and opened its doors in August 1995 with 900 sq. feet of retail space.


• In December 1995 MCS joined Corporate Computers (CCINET) as an affiliate to offer Internet connections in the St. Paul area. As a result, MCSNet became the first Internet Service Provider in the St. Paul area.


• In August 1996, MCS moved to its present location, the Downtown Mall and expanded its operation to include home electronics, in a retail area of 6000 sq. feet.


• By August 1998, the retail area had been expanded further to 10 000 sq. feet and a new service, DSL high-speed Internet had been launched. MCSNet marked the history of North-eastern Alberta by being the first Internet Service Provider to offer DSL connections.


• As of July 2002, MCSNet is reaching out to rural clients outside the range of DSL by offering a new High Speed Wireless service. Since this time, MCSNet has undergone major expansion to deploy high-speed Internet in the MD of Bonnyville, County of Two Hills, Lac La Biche County, Smoky Lake County, Westlock County, Sturgeon County, Lamont County, and the County of Thorhild.


• In 2006 MCSNet was invited by the County of Athabasca to bring our service to their ratepayers.


• In the spring of 2008, HMS-I-Net was acquired, expanding coverage in the County of Vermilion River, the County of Minburn, and into Saskatchewan. This coverage was further developed with the acquisition of Midwest Communications in the Lloydminster area.


• In April of 2009, MCSNet was chosen by Strathcona County to deploy services in their area.


• As Alberta's largest fixed wireless ISP, MCSNet currently provides service to hundreds of locations in over 20 counties.