From https://mailchi.mp/cybera/iapuvwwjnk-468941?e=baf79bb0db Testing the Gaps in First Nations’ Internet Access In July 2004, the Assembly of First Nations passed a resolution directing “the government of Canada to honour its commitment to connect every community to broadband services by 2005.” But nearly a decade and a half later, many First Nations communities remain without any internet connectivity. This issue[…]
An article based on FMCC efforts at the CRTC is now published in the Journal of Information Policy. The article is co-authored by FMCC researchers Rob McMahon, Trevor Smith, and Tim Whiteduck. Reclaiming Geospatial Data and GIS Design for Indigenous-led Telecommunications Policy Advocacy: A Process Discussion of Mapping Broadband Availability in Remote and Northern Regions[…]
The following article was posted by the Canadian Internet Registration Authority. CIRA’s Community Investment Program celebrates its fifth year – Part 2: The First Mile Connectivity Consortium CIRA is embarking on the fifth year of its Community Investment Program. Canadian not-for-profits doing good things for and through the internet can apply for a CIRA grant[…]
On Friday, December 1, 2017, FMCC filed our comments on the Future Programming Distribution Models with the CRTC. The CRTC put out this Call for Comments in response to the Governor in Council’s request for a report on future programming distribution models to be presented before June 1, 2018 (https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2017/2017-359.htm and https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2017/2017-359-1.htm). FMCC’s submission is available for[…]
FMCC is participating in CRTC 2017-112 “Development of the Commission’s broadband funding regime”. These public proceedings examine matters related to the establishment of the broadband funding regime, including its governance, operating, and accountability frameworks, as well as eligibility and assessment criteria for proposed projects. For more information, the public notice is posted here. Requests for Information in CRTC 2017-122:[…]
Yesterday (Aug 24) the CRTC released its decision denying Northwestel’s request to be forborne from regulation of the Wholesale Connect service in light of the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link. From the CRTC’s announcement: The Commission denies an application by Northwestel for requesting forbearance from the regulation of its Wholesale Connect service in the communities served[…]
A team of First Mile partners including Penny Carpenter from K-Net Services, Tim Whiteduck from First Nations Education Council (FMCC Chair), Dr. Heather Hudson and Dr. Rob McMahon travelled to Ottawa on June 15-17 to participate in the Indigenous Radio National Conference at the University of Ottawa. The presentations and notes about the conference will[…]
Last week the Gwich’in Tribal Council’s Department of Cultural Heritage (GTC) hosted a day-long workshop on Digital Content and Connectivity in Gwich’in communities. This pilot was designed by GTC staff and partners from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Extension and the First Mile Connectivity Consortium. The team included Dr. Rob McMahon and Master of Arts[…]
The First Mile work in First Nations across Canada (http://firstmile.ca) was well represented at Congress 2017 during the week long event held at Ryerson University in Toronto the week of May 27 to June 2. At the Association for Nonprofit and Social Economy Research (ANSER), Rob was a member of a panel presenting the chapter he[…]
Brian Beaton and Susan O’Donnell, members of the FMCC Board of Directors travelled to Halifax on May 17 to participate in the Indigenous Radio Workshop at Dalhousie University. The presentations and notes about the day long workshop will be posted on their web site at http://www.indigenousradio.ca/Halifax.php Brian delivered his presentation entitled, “e-Centres: Community-based production/broadcast facilities”. His[…]