CRTC 2014-44 – Review of Satellite Services
In 2014, the FMCC participated in the CRTC’s inquiry about satellite services in Canada. Many First Nations and Inuit communities are dependent on satellite services for telephone services and data applications. However, the CRTC determined that a clear ‘digital divide’ exists between communities that can access terrestrial infrastructure and services, and those that rely on satellites. In this context, the FMCC raised several concerns regarding issues of access and affordability of satellite services, and also pointed out some innovative ways that Indigenous and non-profit organizations are providing satellite services to these communities.
Follow the links below to learn more.
- FMCC final comments (submitted to CRTC on Sept. 4, 2014)
- Updated FMCC intervention (revised version submitted to CRTC on July 8, 2014)
- FMCC original intervention (original version submitted to CRTC on July 7, 2014)
- Intervention from the Northern Indigenous Community Satellite Network, which provides an excellent overview of some of the benefits and challenges faced by non-profit and Indigenous satellite service providers.
- Information about the satellite inquiry (CRTC Notice of Consultation)