On July 14, 2015, the FMCC submitted an intervention to the Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2015-134 Review of basic telecommunications services. We provided evidence demonstrating that the existing model for ensuring that telecommunications services are available and affordable in rural, remote, and northern areas has fallen short of the needs of community members, and[…]
May 28, 2015 The First Mile Connectivity Consortium has received new funding support for policy research on broadband infrastructure and services in rural, remote and northern Indigenous communities. We are thrilled to announce that the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) has awarded the FMCC $30,000. These funds will be used to collect evidence to present at the Canadian Radio-Television[…]
This page provides background about the issue, the CRTC, benefits of First Nations Community Networks, and our position on the Hearings. Introduction We are an independent not-for-profit research consortium and a First Nation community located in the Northwest Territories. Our work focuses on innovative solutions to broadband infrastructure development with and in rural and remote[…]
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[…]
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[…]
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[…]
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[…]
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[…]
CBC Radio North Interview with Rob McMahon, Lyle Fabian and Heather Hudson News clip featuring Lyle Fabian Globe and Mail coverage (June 19, 2013) NorthwesTel rivals pitch telecom projects at CRTC hearings Northern News Services Online (June 22, 2013) Northerners get voice in telecommunications Whitehorse Star (stories behind a paywall) Northerners need comparable services, CRTC told[…]
There are several ways you can be involved in the CRTC Hearings: 1) Submit your own intervention in the hearings by May 9, 2013 Click here to read the CRTC’s information about how to contribute. Important: this page outlines what information is required. Send an outline submission through the CRTC’s Public Proceedings website for Notice[…]