These community stories showcase innovative uses of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) by First Nations communities across Canada. They were written in collaboration with members of First Nations communities and organizations. In all cases the stories that appear here have been verified by organization and/or community members. Thank-you to all the community members who helped[…]
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[…]
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[…]
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[…]
CRTC 2012-669 – Review of Northwestel Inc.’s Regulatory Framework, Modernization Plan, and related matters For information on the Hearings, visit here. Here is a summary of key dates: May 2, 2013 – Deadline for any information to be provided pursuant to further information and public disclosure to be filed with the Commission. May 9, 2013[…]
The following is a list of organizations that support the CRTC intervention into the Northwestel Modernization Plan: K’atl’odeeche First Nation (NWT) First Mile Connectivity Consortium (National) First Nations Innovation Project (Atlantic Canada; ON; QC; B.C.) Eeyou Communications Network (QC) Keewaytinook Okimakanak K-Net Services (ON) First Nations Education Council (QC) Atlantic Canada First Nations Help Desk[…]
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[…]