Bringing Broadband Access Points to Communities

The Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services, through NetWork BC, is forming new alliances with the federal government and the private sector to bring broadband access points to more communities.

BC Satellite Network

As part of Round 1 of the National Satellite Initiative, and to enable some remote unserved communities to gain broadband access, the NetWork BC project office has identified the following communities to receive community broadband access via a C-band satellite connection. A special arrangement has been made with Infosat Communications, the Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services, Common IT Services, and Peer 1 Networks to provide and a high-speed broadband connection and low cost Internet transit for these communities. One connection per community will be supported. The connection will be available to either a for profit or not for profit entity in the community. For more information on how to access this opportunity visit the BC Satellite Network Criteria and Application Process.

TELUS/BC Partnership Program

As part of its plan to make BC 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 BC communities by the end of 2006. The arrangement with TELUS will ensure that affordable, high-speed open network access is brought to the communities identified by the PTC. Small, local community or provincial Internet service providers will have the opportunity to make the last-mile connection to local homes and businesses with affordable and reliable high-speed Internet. For more information on getting connected visit the Connecting Communities website.

Community Networking Infrastructure Grant Program

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 Application, please visit either the BC3 website or the FNTC website

One of the best options for communities not identified by the PTC is satellite connectivity. There are two programs that communities may be interested in pursuing.

National Satellite Initiative Round 2 Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund

The National Satellite Initiative was created to complement other broadband initiatives and addresses the high cost of broadband access for communities in the far to mid-north, and in isolated and remote areas of Canada, where satellite is the only reasonable means of providing broadband access. The NSI Round 2 – CSIF funding targets remote and isolated communities where satellite is the only practical solution. Eligible entities for funding include provincial, territorial or First Nations governments, communities, non-for profit organizations and the private sector with a government partner. If you are interested in applying for funding under this program visit the NSI Round 2 – CSIF website for more information and instructions.

Infosat High-Speed Enterprise Service

Infosat Communications, a subsidiary of Telesat Canada and BCE has been chosen as a service provider for the new Ka frequency band high-speed Internet service delivered through Anik F2. A national high-speed satellite system, designed for businesses will be rolled out this year. Information on this system is available at www.infosat.com

Solving the last-mile problem is a team effort that requires partnership with all organizations, including other levels of government and the private sector. The Province will continue to work with local stakeholders, including all communities, Internet service providers, the federal government and community champions wherever possible to bring broadband access points to even more British Columbians.