The First Mile Connectivity Consortium (FMCC) filed the attached intervention letter concerning Northwestel’s application for forbearance concerning the delivery of broadband services in the Northwest Territories. We are sharing this document with everyone in the hope that it might be useful to you. If there are problems with the concerns we are raising about Northwestel[…]
For individuals or groups working in the areas of community, rural and remote broadband and community informatics or working with communities on broadband related matters, a community broadband guide has recently been developed for use in communities across Alberta, though much of the information may be relevant in other jurisdictions. Understanding Community Broadband: The Alberta[…]
The First Nations Innovation project is researching how remote and rural First Nation communities in Canada are using broadband technologies and applications in innovative ways. Our work covers four regions – Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario and Alberta – in partnership with seven organizations. We have updated our publications document, a Word file that lists all the[…]
In this report we discuss the efforts of the First Mile Connectivity Consortium (FMCC) to shape a Geographic Information System (GIS) platform into a tool for data-driven policy advocacy. This work took place in the context of a lack of robust, accurate data concerning broadband access in Canada’s northern and remote regions. Given this challenge,[…]
An upcoming series of regional and national events provides an opportunity to discuss and plan for the upcoming CRTC review of the Native Broadcasting Policy (CRTC 1990-89). These events will be of interests to Indigenous broadcasting groups, as well as people working in research and policy. For more information on “The Future of First Nations,[…]
The “Smoke Signals of the Future: Information From the Roots” conference in Winnipeg had two presentations on the agenda from FMCC representatives. Both presentations were made by video / skype to participants in Winnipeg. Participants at the conference included members of First Nations across Manitoba with a strong representation from youth. On February 8, FMCC[…]
KNET Director Penny Carpenter and Susan O’Donnell, FMCC Vice-Chair, presented the work of the FMCC to policy-makers at Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) in Ottawa on January 19. Also participating was Tim Whiteduck, Director of Technology at the First Nations Education Council and FMCC Chair. The presentation focused on research completed by FMCC last[…]
Brian Beaton met today (Tuesday, January 17, 2017) via videoconference with the Matawa First Nations broadband team during their meetings in Thunder Bay. Brian introduced the Matawa team to the work of the First Mile Connectivity Consortium. Discussions included: introductions Description of the work being undertaken by the Matawa First Nations broadband team What is[…]
In response to Saadia Muzaffar’s opinion piece on CBC’s web site at http://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/broadband-basic-service-1.3913627 –What good is declaring broadband a ‘basic service’ without regulating retail prices? Without affordability thresholds, there’s no guarantee that access in vulnerable communities will improve .. Brian Beaton wrote this First Mile response: IT IS THE FIRST STEP in a very long process .. It has taken[…]
FMCC member organization Nanaandawewigamig (First Nation Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba) is hosting two upcoming conferences on First Nations ICT initiatives: Nanaandawewigamig will be hosting the 1st ever in Canada: National First Nations eHealth Conference on February 6 to 7, 2017, and following with our 2ND Annual Manitoba First Nations ICT Summit on February 8[…]