News Archive

Connecting Citizens Grant Program, Round One Results
March 31, 2009
Click here to see the results of Round One.

$8.3M to Help First Nations Bridge the Digital Divide
February 20, 2009
VANCOUVER - The Province is providing another $8.3 million in funding to help bridge the digital divide for British Columbia First Nations, announced Labour and Citizens’ Services Minister Iain Black today. The funding will be used toward First Nations connectivity to open up social and economic opportunities for rural and remote First Nations communities. View the press release here.

$22.5 Million to Help Connect First Nations
November 18, 2008
VANCOUVER - To help bridge the digital divide for First Nations, the provincial government is providing $22.5 million for broadband connectivity, announced Labour and Citizens’ Services Minister Iain Black today with First Nations leaders. View the press release here.

$5.2M Grant Program Helps Bridge Digital Divide
September 29, 2008
VICTORIA - Details of a $5.2-million grant program to deliver more Internet connectivity to homes, businesses and communities in rural and remote areas of British Columbia were announced today by Labour and Citizens’ Services Minister Iain Black. View the press release here.

Premier Launches Initiatives to Boost Rural Economies
September 26, 2008
PENTICTON - Premier Gordon Campbell announced a host of new initiatives to support rural communities today, including a major expansion of the Towns for Tomorrow infrastructure program, extending cell phone and Internet service, a new medical accommodation assistance program and a commitment to help communities utilize industrial resource roads to create better transportation networks. View the press release here.

BC Broadband Conference, June 2 and 3, 2008
Vancouver BC
Open Source Solutions is hosting the 4th Annual BC Broadband Conference. The Conference will take place in Vancouver at the Plaza 500 Hotel and Conference Centre. This year the Conference will explore the Broadband Ecosystem that has grown up to service this new sector. There will be discussions on products, technologies and business opportunities as well as attendees from all parts of the BC Broadband industry. Click here for more information.

FirstVoices Capacity Building Project – 2007/08 Provincial Premier’s Award
March 10, 2008
The First Peoples' Heritage, Language and Culture Council, Network BC, and partners were again recognized by Premier Gordon Campbell as a finalist in the Provincial Premier's Award for Excellence and Innovation for their collaboration on the FirstVoices Capacity Building Project at a ceremony in Victoria. For a news release, click here.

FirstVoices Capacity Building Project - 2007/08 Vancouver Island Regional Premier's Award
February 26, 2008
The First Peoples' Heritage, Language and Culture Council, Network BC, and partners were honoured by Premier Gordon Campbell with a regional Bronze Premier's Award for Excellence and Innovation for collaboration on the FirstVoices Capacity Building Project at a ceremony in Victoria last night. To view the news release click here.

2008 ICT Summit - February 22-24, 2008
First Nation Technology Council Pre-Conference - February 21, 2008
Communities around the world are taking advantage of the Internet to improve people's lives. Strategic use of information and communication technologies is helping create social and economic change in health, education, culture, and to increase civic engagement. But the benefits are not evenly distributed. "Digital divides" persist in urban and rural communities, among First Nations and others. For registration information visit www.ictsummit.ca.

Wireless Access to Improve Internet Service for Yahk
January 22, 2008
YAHK - A federal and provincial investment of $75,000 will improve broadband services and introduce high-speed Internet access to the Yahk-Kingsgate area and other nearby rural communities. The funding is provided through the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure (CBCMRIF), which is enabling communities across B.C. to become healthier, greener and more sustainable places to live. To view news release click here.

Improved Internet Access for Kootenay Communities
January 19, 2008
NAKUSP – A federal and provincial investment of more than $47,000 will improve broadband service and provide Burton, Edgewood and Fauquier residents with expanded access to high-speed Internet.  The funding is available through the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF), which enables communities across B.C. to become healthier, greener and more sustainable places to live. To view news release click here.

CRTC Approves initiatives to expand rural broadband services
January 17, 2008
OTTAWA-GATINEAU – The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today approved several initiatives that will benefit Canadians with disabilities and expand broadband services to rural and remote communities. The major local telephone companies were also directed by the Commission to finalize proposals for the dispersal of the funds in their deferral accounts. To view news release click here.

FirstVoices Capacity Building Project - Regional Finalist
January 9, 2008
The First Peoples' Heritage, Language and Culture Council and Network BC have been selected as regional finalists in the 2007/08 Premier's Awards Promoting Innovation and Excellence. The nomination is in the Partnerships Category for collaboration on the FirstVoices Capacity Building Project. This project fosters language preservation and revitalization in First Nations communities while at the same time building technical capacity and digital literacy.

Broadband Maps Showing Last Mile Connectivity
December 31, 2007
View broadband maps showing the status of last mile connectivity here.

FirstVoices Funding Ensures Languages Will Continue
October 4, 2007
VICTORIA – The Province has provided $250,000 in funding to support the electronic preservation of B.C. First Nations languages, announced Olga Ilich, Minister of Labour and Citizens’ Services. To view news release click here.

$221,000 Grant to SFU Supports Study of Broadband Use
July 23, 2007
Vancouver - Minister of Labour and Citizens' Services Olga Ilich today announced a $221,000 grant to support a Simon Fraser University study of how broadband Internet connectivity is benefiting B.C. communities. To view news release click here

TELUS Helps Haida Gwaii Residents Reap Benefits of High-Speed Internet Access
June 25, 2007
Vancouver - Haida Gwaii residents are taking advantage of their new high-speed Internet service to preserve the Haida language, gain more efficient access to health care, and conduct business around the world. To view news release click here.

Network BC Grant Helps Ktunaxa Nation Preserve Language
June 18, 2007
Cranbrook - A $100,000 grant from Network BC will help preserve the unique Ktunaxa Language, Labour and Citizens' Services Minister Olga Ilich announced today.  To view news release click here 

Premier's Awards Honour Innovative, Excellent Service
March 28, 2007
Victoria – Premier Gordon Campbell honoured outstanding achievement in British Columbia’s public service at the Premier’s Award for Innovation and Excellence last night in Victoria.  The late John Webb was recognized by Premier Campbell with a Special Achievement Award for his pivotal role in extending broadband connectivity throughout British Columbia in his 11 years with the Network BC Project.
To view news release click here 

$75,000 to Help First Nations Harness Internet Benefits - February 24, 2007
Victoria - Speaking at the Summit 2007 conference, Labour and Citizens' Services Minister Olga Ilich today announced new funding of $75,000 to help First Nations capitalize on high-speed Internet services.  To view news release click <here>.

Network BC project received Computerworld Honours LaureateThe Network BC project was named a Laureate of the Computerworld Honours Program and a finalist for the program’s 21st Century Achievement Award at a ceremony on June 5, 2006 in Washington, D.C. To view the news release click here. To view a photo click here.

GwaiiTel Launches High Speed Internet Services in Haida Gwaii - November 28, 2006
Masset, B.C. - Haida Gwaii residents have high-speed Internet service for the first time as GwaiiTel and its Haida Gwaii Community Network launched operations today.  In collaboration with local Internet service providers, the network brings high-speed Internet service to about 5,000 people living in the Islands' seven largest communities.  To view news release click here.

UK National Audit Report - Delivering Successful IT-enabled Business Change - November 17, 2006
A report published today by the National Audit Office identifies common threads in IT-enabled programmes and projects, to pinpoint the key factors which have contributed to success and how they can be replicated in future by the public sector.  View the UK National Audit Report and Case Studies of Success, including the reference to the Network BC Project.

Longest Over-water Radio Internet Transmission to Connect Haida Gwaii to Broadband - September 20, 2006

Vancouver, B.C. – The world’s longest over-water radio Internet transmission will connect Haida Gwaii, also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, to high speed Internet service later this year. TELUS and the Gwaii Trust Society signed a contract for the project earlier this week.  To view news release click here. 

First Nations Communities Learning to Embrace the Future While Preserving the Past - September 18, 2006
 BURNABY, B.C. (September 18, 2006) – Discover what technology means to British Columbia’s First Nations communities on Cedar and Silicon, a Knowledge Network original documentary airing Wednesday, October 18 at 8 p.m.  To view full news release click here (including poster).

Telcos File Deferral Account Proposals - September 1, 2006
Canada's major telcos have filed proposals to spend their accumulated deferral account funds to expand rural broadband coverage. View proposals submitted by the telecos at  http://www.crtc.gc.ca/PartVII/eng/2006/8638/c12_200602708.htm.

News Release - July 6, 2006
High-Speed Internet Connecting 32 Communities
VICTORIA – Another 32 rural B.C. communities will soon have access to high-speed Internet service from local Internet service providers (ISPs), thanks to a partnership between the Province and TELUS, Labour and Citizens’ Services Minister Michael de Jong and TELUS president of Business Solutions Joe Natale announced today. To view full News Release click here (including Backgrounder).

News Release - June 8, 2006
Network BC Project Awarded International Laureate
VICTORIA – The Network BC project has received international recognition for its use of information technology to benefit society, Labour and Citizens’ Services Minister Mike de Jong announced today.  Network BC was named a Laureate of the Computerworld Honours Program and a finalist for the program’s 21st Century Achievement Award at a ceremony on June 5, 2006 in Washington, D.C.

News Release - April 18, 2006
Telethoracic Expansion Improves Access to Surgeons
KELOWNA – Patients with chest diseases are receiving better and faster care regardless of where they live with the expansion of telethoracic services in rural and remote parts of northern British Columbia, announced Health Minister George Abbott. To view full News Release click here  (including Backgrounders on Connecting B.C. Communities and Telehealth in British Columbia).

Presentations - February 25, 2006
View the Connecting Communities Workshop presentations delivered by Network BC and TELUS at Summit 2006.  The Network BC Workshop was an opportunity to report out on progress to date and for receiving stakeholder input regarding future connectivity.  Opportunities for on-going stakeholder engagement will continue to be pursued.

Presentation - February 24, 2006
View the Summit 2006 Keynote Speech entitled "Convergence: The Future of Technology and Telecommunications" by Dr. Andrew Cohill, former director of the Blacksburg Electronic Village in Virginia, USA and leading authority on community networks presented at Summit 2006.

News Release - February 24, 2006
Grants Bring Broadband to 25 Rural. B.C. Communities
VICTORIA - Twenty-five rural B.C. communities have received funding to help bring broadband Internet to homes and businesses, Labour and Citizens’ Services Minister Michael de Jong announced today. To view the full News Release click here (including Backgrounder).

News Release - December 16, 2005
Rural B.C. Homes and Businesses Getting Connected
VICTORIA – Thirty-one rural B.C. communities will soon have access to high-speed Internet service from local Internet service providers (ISP), thanks to a partnership between the Province and TELUS, Labour and Citizens’ Services Minister Mike de Jong and TELUS president of business solutions Joe Natale announced today.  To view the view full News Release click here (including Backgrounder and Factsheet).

News Release - November 17, 2005
Grants Help 30 B.C. Communities Bridge Digital Divide
VICTORIA - Thirty B.C. communities have received funding to help them bridge the digital divide through broadband Internet access, Labour and Citizens’ Services Minister Michael de Jong announced today

News Release - November 17, 2005
Grants Help 30 B.C. Communities Bridge Digital Divide
DAWSON CREEK - Thirty B.C. communities, including Moberly Lake, have received funding to help them bridge the digital divide through broadband Internet access, Peace River South MLA Blair Lekstrom announced today.

News Release - November 17, 2005
Grants Help 30 B.C. Communities Bridge Digital Divide
PRINCE GEORGE - Thirty B.C. communities, including Dunster, Pinchi and Tsay Keh Dene, have received funding to help them bridge the digital divide through broadband Internet access, Prince George-Mt. Robson MLA Shirley Bond, Prince George North MLA Pat Bell and Prince George-Omineca MLA John Rustad announced today.

News Release - November 17, 2005
Grants Help 30 B.C. Communities Bridge Digital Divide
SMITHERS - Thirty B.C. communities, including Atlin and Moricetown, have received funding to help them bridge the digital divide through broadband Internet access, Bulkley Valley-Stikine MLA Dennis MacKAY announced today.

Presentation - September 27, 2005
View a presentation entitled NetWork BC / TELUS Rural Broadband Program delivered at a Clinic Session at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Convention in Vancouver

Input to the TRP Consultations  - August 15, 2005
Visit the Telecommunications Policy Review Panel (TRP) Website (click on Submissions to the Panel) to view the Province of British Columbia's submission entitled "Regulating from Yes": Some Considerations for the Regulation of the Canadian Telecommunications Industry.

Connecting B.C. Communities Handbook - August 02, 2005
In order to assist community champions in preparing to apply to become an eligible local or regional service provider a Connecting B.C. Communities Handbook and Financial Model have been developed for Local and Regional Internet Service Provider Applicants. The tools are available on the Connecting Communities Website and contain information that will guide interested parties through the process of establishing a business plan for the communities they wish to serve.

Community Networking Infrastructure Grant Application Form - June 30, 2005
The First Nations Technology Council (FNTC) and the BC Community Connectivity Cooperative (BC3) have received funding from NetWork BC to provide Community Networking Infrastructure Grants of up to $20,000 each in support of "last-mile" infrastructure to communities. For further information, and to view the application in full form please visit the BC3 website or the FNTC website where you will find both the PDF and Word versions. Applications must be received either by the FNTC or the BC3 no later than 4:30PM, August 31, 2005.

ISP Expression of Interest Application Form and Pricing Information - June 16, 2005
Internet Service Provider (ISP) Eligibility and Pricing information is now available on the Connecting Communities website. There you will find an on-line application form that will help government and TELUS evaluate proposals to deliver last mile connectivity to rural and remote communities.

broadBAND BC Vignettes - May 20, 2005
The opportunities that broadband technology offers citizens, communities and businesses in remote areas are numerous. We hope that raising awareness of these activities will provide inspiration for others to take part in developing broadband solutions for their communities. Click here to view the broadBAND BC: Bridging the Digital Divide vignettes on E-Health, E-Education and E-Business.

Notice to Vendors - May 5, 2005
The BC Community Connectivity Co-operative in partnership with the First Nations Technology Council has prepared a Request for Information (RFI - 793) document to assist member communities in evaluating last-mile broadband Internet technologies and solutions. Go to the BC Bid website to view the RFI opportunity and the instructions.

News Release - April 18, 2005
Premier's Technology Council Releases Seventh Report
VICTORIA - The Premier’s Technology Council (PTC) released its seventh report today, noting the progress that has been made in advancing B.C.’s technology competitiveness since 2001.

News Release - April 14, 2005
Three Campuses to Join High-Speed Network
VANCOUVER - The provincial government is investing $3.15 million to enhance the BCNET advanced research data network and connect it to Simon Fraser University in Surrey, Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops and the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Kelowna.

News Release - April 7, 2005
Broadband Expansion Spells Opportunity for B.C.
VANCOUVER - As part of its plan to make B.C. the best educated, most literate jurisdiction on the continent and to take full advantage of infrastructure spending, the Province is partnering with TELUS to bring broadband access points to 366 B.C. communities by the end of 2006, Premier Gordon Campbell and TELUS president and CEO Darren Entwistle announced today.

Phase 1 of the Community Networking Infrastructure Grants - The Letter of Intent - April 7, 2005
To help make the last-mile connection, the Province has set up a fund with the BC Community Connectivity Co-operative and the First Nations Technology Council to help 151 unserved communities access infrastructure funding. For more information, or to download the Request for Letter of Intent, please visit either the BC3 website or the FNTC website.

Network BC Project Summary - April 2005
The purpose of this document is to provide a summary of final outcomes and benefits achieved by successful negotiations between the Province, representing both the Province and the broader public sector and TELUS. Click here to view the Project Summary.

News Release - April 3, 2005
Funding Helps Preserve Aboriginal Languages
VICTORIA - An innovative, Internet-based computer program designed to preserve aboriginal languages will reach more communities as a result of an additional $250,000 in provincial funding, Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services Murray Coell announced today.

News Release - April 1, 2005
Central Interior Communities to Get Broadband
KAMLOOPS - The Central Interior Broadband Network (CIBN) is receiving $85,000 from the province to bring broadband to 17 Interior communities, Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger and Cariboo South MLA Walt Cobb announced today.

News Release - April 1, 2005
Call Centre Training Coming to Hazelton
HAZELTON - The Gitksan Government Commission is receiving $25,000 from the Province to provide call centre training in the community of Hazelton (Gitanmaax), Bulkley Valley-Stikine MLA Dennis MacKay announced today.

News Release - March 21, 2005
Computer Funding Helps Women Escaping Violence
VICTORIA - Women in transition houses or using Stopping the Violence counseling services will have better access to online information and resources as the result of $200,000 in provincial funding to upgrade computers, software and Internet access, minister of state for women’s and seniors’ services Wendy McMahon announced today.

News Release - January 17, 2005
School Internet Upgrades Help Improve Computer Literacy
KELOWNA - The Province has launched the final phase of Internet upgrades taking place at almost 600 schools to improve computer literacy and expand community opportunities, Education Minister Tom Christensen announced today.

News Release - January 17, 2005
Fed/Prov Funding Will Support Community Growth
VICTORIA - Nine projects will receive more than $1.8 million in combined funding from the federal and provincial governments through the Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA), supporting new growth in a number of British Columbia communities.

News Release - December 2, 2004
Computer Literacy Day Proclaimed
VANCOUVER - Recognizing the importance of computers and the Internet in today’s high-tech world, Management Services Minister Joyce Murray and Vancouver-Burrard MLA Lorne Mayencourt proclaimed today “Computer Literacy Day in British Columbia.”

Notice to Vendors - November 19, 2004
Here is a copy of a NetWork BC Notice to Vendors (SATP - 106) that appears on the BC Bid website (www.bcbid.ca) regarding a decision to extend the existing NetWork BC tactical plan by an additional two years.

News Release - November 19, 2004
Kamloops Community Fibre Network Connects 37 Buildings of Public Sector Organizations
KAMLOOPS - Construction has begun and fibre is being laid to connect five public sector organizations to Kamloops’ own high-speed, low-cost telecommunications system. By spring of 2005, the City of Kamloops, School District 73, Province of British Columbia, University College of the Cariboo/Thompson Rivers University and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District will be connected to the Kamloops Community Network, resulting in cost-savings to the agencies and taxpayers.

News Release - November 16, 2004
New Denver is B.C.'s Latest Connected Community
NEW DENVER -New Denver residents, businesses, and facilities are now connected to TELUS’ high speed Internet, creating new opportunities for economic growth, health care and education, Nelson-Creston MLA Blair Suffredine and TELUS Internet Access Director Blair Miller said today.

Open PoP Workshop - November 9, 2004
On November 9, 2004, NetWork BC hosted an open point of network presence or PoP workshop in Vancouver. This event was designed to focus attention on the creation of access points in provincial communities that have some “open” characteristics. For additional information, view the open PoP workshop summary.

News Release - November 3, 2004
$12 Million Strengthens B.C.'s Libraries. (backgrounder)
The Province is investing $12 million of added funding over three years for public libraries, which will bring broadband Internet into every branch, provide a 24-hour virtual reference desk and set up a one-card system to give every British Columbian access to books from any library in the province. View full press release and backgrounder.

News Release - October 29, 2004
BC Helps Bring Broadband Internet to Rural Communities.
KAMLOOPS - The Province is investing $250,000 to help rural communities get connected to broadband Internet, Kamloops MLA Claude Richmond announced today on behalf of Management Services Minister Joyce Murray.

Notice to Vendors - October 14, 2004
NetWork BC Notice to Vendors. There is a notice (SATP-097) on the BC Bid website (www.bcbid.ca) regarding NetWork BC potential for contract extensions / deferral of the Joint Solutions Procurement process. On the BC Bid website follow the link to browse opportunities and then find Ministry of Management Services.

Presentation - October 7, 2004
View NetWork BC's project objectives in a presentation delivered during the Panel Session on Bridging the Digital Divide: The Last Mile at the Strategies for Public Sector Transformation 2004 Conference.

Transcript - October 4, 2004
Motion 21, which reads as follows: [Be it resolved that this House recognize the importance of access to broadband technology to the economic development of rural communities] was approved in the BC Legislature on October 4, 2004.

News Release - September 28, 2004
Internet Upgrades Help Improve Computer Literacy
FARMINGTON - Peace River South MLA Blair Lekstrom joined officials from the Peace River South school district to celebrate the completion of the first phase of major high-speed Internet upgrades to B.C. schools, ensuring students have the access they need to increase their computer literacy skills.