About Us

Network BC provides leadership and support for strategic use of telecommunications in British Columbia. Currently, Bridging the Digital Divide in rural and remote areas is a key focus.

The work of Network BC is part of the Province’s strategic approach to information management and technology developed by the Office of Chief Information Officer for the Province of British Columbia.

For rural and remote areas, Network BC develops strategies to increase opportunities for connectivity and to sustain connectivity already achieved. This public service requires Network BC to coordinate and facilitate broadband connectivity among provincial and federal government organizations, non-government organizations, communities, and the telecommunications sector. Network BC is recognized internationally for its accomplishments.

Citizens who are First Nations comprise many of B.C.’s rural and remote communities. Therefore, Network BC is committed to assisting First Nations with their goal of connecting all 203 First Nations in B.C. as part of a shared vision to improving the quality of life for Aboriginal citizens.

For the telecommunications sector, Network BC provides a focal point for dialogue and partnerships regarding the telecommunication sector’s role in Bridging the Digital Divide in British Columbia.

Provincial ministries rely on Network BC to provide knowledge and expertise on the strategic use of telecommunications in B.C. and its potential for enabling government to improve citizens’ access to provincial programs and information on health, education and economic opportunities.

Network BC is part of the Office of the Chief Information Officer for the Province of British Columbia.

British Columbia - Connected and Growing

British Columbia is one of the most connected provinces in Canada.

Geography, income, education level, literacy, age and ethnicity determine who accesses the information highway and who does not. Addressing the ‘digital divide’ means increasing the number of citizens who have the opportunity, ability and desire to access the information highway.

At present, 92 per cent of British Columbians have access to the Internet. Many of these citizens are concentrated in highly populated areas. Increasing connectivity in rural and remote areas that represent the economic engine of British Columbia is key to improving health care, education and economic opportunities for all citizens.

Encouraging connectivity in rural and remote areas where there is little business case for commercial service providers is the provincial challenge.

Initiatives

Network BC was created in 2005 to launch the ‘Closing the Digital Divide’ initiative, which has become known as Bridging the Digital Divide. Network BC’s mandate is to work with communities, other levels of government, non-government organizations and the telecommunications sector to facilitate and coordinate broadband connectivity in 366 communities in B.C., as defined by the Premier’s Technology Council.

Of 366 communities identified as priorities for broadband connectivity access, 151 were identified as requiring Internet gateways. Local Internet service providers require gateways to the Internet, at a reasonable cost, as a key component of providing broadband services to homes and businesses in rural and remote areas. In addition, service providers identified the high cost of infrastructure in sometimes sparsely populated places as a barrier to serving citizens. Network BC developed programs to address these needs.

Programs

Internet service providers can access TELUS Internet gateways (points of presence), at a reduced cost, in 119 communities. Reducing the cost of Internet access creates the business case for many small service providers to expand their coverage areas, enabling more citizens to gain digital access to the world. This TELUS program results from the Connecting Communities Agreement signed between the Province and TELUS. More information is available at: http://about.telus.com/digitaldivide/index.html.

Local Internet service providers apply for access to the 119 points of presence provided by TELUS under the Connecting Communities Agreement. The application and details are available at: http://about.telus.com/digitaldivide/index.html.

Network BC awards access and monitors TELUS’ commitments as outlined in the Connecting Communities Agreement.

Designated communities on the provincial priority list of 366 can purchase commercial satellite service at a reduced rate under a federal/provincial National Satellite Initiative Agreement. For very remote communities, satellite provides the only opportunity for Internet access.

Network BC manages the satellite Agreement with the federal government, and facilitates the initial relationships between the designated community and the various commercial providers involved in providing and maintaining service to the community.

This program is now completed. This two-year program offered up to $20,000 per community to offset infrastructure costs required to initiate or expand broadband services to institutions, businesses and homes in rural and remote communities. Under this program, 57 communities were able to complete their last mile systems, enabling broadband access for citizens. The remaining two community projects supported by these grants are in various stages of completion.

Connecting Citizens Grant Program

In September 2008, the Province launched a new three-year Connecting Citizens Grant Program that encourages the creation of local infrastructure required to connect homes and businesses to the Internet.  Round One was completed in March 2008 and resulted in much needed last mile infrastructure funding to 67 Internet projects in nearly 100 locales.