2014 – Industry Canada: Spectrum Policy

On October 7, 2014, the FMCC submitted a position paper to Industry Canada regarding Policy Changes in the 3500 MHz Band and a New Licensing Process in Rural Areas  (Reference number: DGSO-003-14). The paper outlined the benefits of a ‘First Mile’ approach to mobile services and infrastructure in Indigenous, remote and northern communities. It also[…]

2014 Industry Canada: Spectrum Policy (3500 MHz Band + AWS)

FMCC made submissions in 2014 to Industry Canada on two different aspects of Spectrum Policy. On October 7, 2014 the FMCC submitted a position paper to Industry Canada regarding Policy Changes in the 3500 MHz Band and a New Licensing Process in Rural Areas  (Reference number: DGSO-003-14). The paper outlined the benefits of a ‘First[…]

2014 CRTC: Let’s Talk TV Consultations

CRTC 2014-190 – ‘Let’s Talk TV’ (Phase 3) The FMCC participated in the CRTC’s ‘Let’s Talk TV’ hearings about television services in Canada. Many remote and rural communities lack access to the digital infrastructure and services necessary to access broadcast programming on an equitable basis. Costs for digital services are high and choices are often[…]

2014 CRTC: Review of Satellite Services

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[…]

Ginwat Cable-TV — a First Mile project from 1999

Chisasibi – Quebec Friday, 8 August 2014, 03:55 PM *This article was originally published in Cablecaster Magazine in June 1999. It is reprinted from the author’s personal website with his permission. Read the original version here* By Hyman Glustein To Canadian city-dwellers looking at a highway map of northern Quebec, Chisasibi is the end of[…]

2014 Industry Canada: Connecting Canadians

In July 2014, Industry Canada announced a new $305M investment in digital infrastructure and services. According to the agency, this funding is “to provide incentives for the private sector to invest in wireless and wireline Internet services in areas of the country that previously did not have access to high-speed Internet services. This will create thousands[…]

Technology and education in Kahnawake

Kahnawake – Quebec Wednesday, 11 June 2014, 10:30 AM This video shows how teachers and other educational staff working in the Mohawk community of Kahnawake use technology. The video features interviews from people working in the community schools. It was produced with the Kahnawake Education Centre(KEC) with funding from the First Nations Innovation Project. According[…]

2013 CRTC: Review of Northwestel’s Modernization Plan

CRTC 2013-669 – Review of Northwestel’s Modernization Plan On June 19 and 20, 2013 the FMCC, K’atl’odeeche First Nation and the Eeyou Communications Network presented to the CRTC regarding several aspects of Northwestel’s proposed Modernization Plan. Generally, the three parties focused on issues of access, affordability, and the potential for infrastructure development in the North[…]

CRTC Hearing Index

The First Mile Connectivity Consortium presented to the CRTC in June 2013 regarding Northwestel’s proposed Modernization Plan   Decision reached – Dec. 18 2013 (CRTC Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2013-711) ** First Mile Connectivity Consortium’s Summary of the Decision ** ** The CRTC plans to review the Basic Service Objective in 2014-2015. That will be another[…]

K’atl’odeeche First Nation Fiber Optic Construction (2011)

K’atl’odeeche First Nation – Northwest Territories Tuesday, 29 October 2013, 05:16 PM In 2011, Katlodeeche First Nation completed the construction of its local broadband fiber optic network. This video documents the project. They were shot on location and edited by KFN’s IT Project Manager, Lyle Fabian. Watch part 2 of the video here, on YouTube.[…]