Canada commits to making broadband a priority and to develop a long-term strategy

From https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/news/2018/10/federal-provincial-territorial-ministers-agree-to-the-principles-of-a-canadian-broadband-strategy-that-will-improve-access-to-high-speed-internet-f.html Federal, provincial, territorial ministers agree to the principles of a Canadian broadband strategy that will improve access to high speed internet for all Canadians Better access to high speed internet will improve competitiveness and address digital divide October 26, 2018 — Vancouver, British Columbia Today, federal, provincial and territorial ministers for innovation and economic development agreed[…]

FMCC partners with Internet Society in hosting Indigenous Connectivity Summit 2018 in Inuvik

From https://www.internetsociety.org/events/indigenous-connectivity-summit/2018/ The 2018 Indigenous Connectivity Summit is an initiative of the Internet Society, University of Alberta, First Mile Connectivity Consortium, the Town of Inuvik, and Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. The Pre-Summit Training Session at University of Alberta in Edmonton The training session will be held on October 9, 8:30am – 4:30pm for Indigenous people who are currently operating[…]

FMCC presentation to Review Panel of the Canadian Communications Legislative Framework

First Mile Connectivity Consortium executive board members, Susan O’Donnell (Vice-President) and Brian Beaton (Treasurer), met with two members of the Review of the Canadian Communications Legislative Framework Panel. The meeting took place in Halifax on Wednesday, Oct 3 and included two secretariat members from the two federal departments responsible for these communication legislative acts, ISED and[…]

New CRTC Broadband Fund investing $750M in rural & remote telecom infrastructure

The new CRTC Broadband Infrastructure fund will use comparative selection process and includes community consultation requirements, including with respect to “any established or asserted Aboriginal or treaty rights” (para 219-224). From https://www.canada.ca/en/radio-television-telecommunications/news/2018/09/crtc-announces-details-of-the-broadband-fund.html CRTC announces details of the Broadband Fund $750-million fund to improve broadband Internet access services in underserved areas September 27, 2018 – Ottawa-Gatineau – Canadian[…]

Review of Broadcasting and Telecommunications Acts Panel launches consultations

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

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[…]

CIRA report: The gap between us: Perspectives on building a better online Canada

From https://cira.ca/gaps (10 recommendations below) Released June 13, 2018 The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) declared broadband internet as a basic service, paving the way to universal access of broadband internet. Given its prevalence in the lives of so many Canadians – where they work, play, connect socially and access many government services – CIRA reached[…]

FMCC partners involved in new CIRA-funded research project

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[…]

CRTC releases report – Harnessing Change: The Future of Programming Distribution in Canada

From https://www.canada.ca/en/radio-television-telecommunications/news/2018/05/new-approaches-are-needed-to-maximize-opportunities-of-the-digital-era-says-crtc.html New approaches are needed to maximize opportunities of the digital era, says CRTC From: Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission News release As consumption of audio and video content shifts to digital, all services should contribute to ensure a vibrant domestic market May 31, 2018 – Ottawa-Gatineau – Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) The CRTC[…]

THE PROTECTION OF NET NEUTRALITY IN CANADA Report from Standing Committee

THE PROTECTION OF NET NEUTRALITY IN CANADA Report of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics MAY 2018 FOR THE FULL REPORT visit http://www.ourcommons.ca/content/Committee/421/ETHI/Reports/RP9840575/421_ETHI_Rpt14_PDF/421_ETHI_Rpt14-e.pdf LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS As a result of their deliberations committees may make recommendations which they include in their reports for the consideration of the House of Commons or[…]