Review of Broadcasting and Telecommunications Acts Panel launches consultations

Posted on September 27, 2018September 27, 2018 by brianbeaton

The First Mile Connectivity Consortium is invited to present to panel members in Halifax on Wednesday, October 3, 2018. From https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/110.nsf/eng/00004.html Broadcasting and Telecommunications Panel launches consultations September 25, 2018 – Ottawa, Ontario The Broadcasting and Telecommunications Legislative Review Panel launched its consultation process today with the release of ‘Responding to the New Environment: A Call for Comments’.[…]

FMCC publication featured by Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council

Posted on June 25, 2018September 25, 2018 by brianbeaton

The new e-book publication by the First Mile Connectivity Consortium team is featured this month on the SSHRC web site along with a short story about the First Nations Innovation research project. From http://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/society-societe/stories-histoires/story-histoire-eng.aspx?story_id=270 Breaking trails: Stories from the First Mile Date published: 21/06/2018 4:00:00 PM Photo: Jesse Fiddler/Stories from the First Mile – First Mile Connectivity[…]

FMCC partners involved in new CIRA-funded research project

Posted on June 11, 2018 by brianbeaton

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[…]

New article published about FMCC regulatory efforts: GIS Mapping and Policy Advocacy

Posted on January 16, 2018 by robmcmahon

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[…]

FMCC team featured on CIRA blog

Posted on December 18, 2017December 18, 2017 by robmcmahon

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[…]

FMCC files comments to CRTC (2017-359) on Future Programming Distribution Models

Posted on December 5, 2017December 5, 2017 by brianbeaton

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 Comments on CRTC Broadband Fund Development

Posted on November 25, 2017December 16, 2017 by robmcmahon

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:[…]

CRTC Denies Northwestel Request for Forbearance of Regulation of Wholesale Connect Service in NWT

Posted on August 25, 2017 by robmcmahon

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[…]

FMCC team presents at Indigenous Radio conference in Ottawa

Posted on June 22, 2017June 22, 2017 by robmcmahon

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[…]

First Mile Researchers Host Digital Literacy Workshop with Gwich’in Tribal Council

Posted on June 18, 2017June 22, 2017 by robmcmahon

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[…]