Benefits of Broadband

Access to broadband offers many benefits to BC communities, including:

Improved access to health care

The introduction of broadband can mean better access to information about health care, a better decision-making process for health management, and faster access to physicians and other health care providers. Tele-health tools such as tele-radiology, tele-psychiatry and the medical use of video conferencing are available only if broadband is in place.

Improved access to education

Learners in rural communities are often forced to leave their communities to seek education. Making affordable broadband available in these communities lets learners stay in their communities to complete high school or take part in post secondary or mid-career education. Many school districts around the province are hoping to offer two-way video conferencing, which can only take place if high-speed networks are in place.

Enable both the federal and provincial governments to provide services electronically

With broadband, very remote communities will be able to access a great number of government services from all levels of government. They will be able to manage their relationships with government online instead of driving or flying great distances. Services such as registering your business on-line, managing health plans, changing addresses and paying taxes, as well as a wide range of other services, will be faster and easier when broadband is in place

Enable and encourage economic development activities

Writers, photographers, accountants, consultants, tourism enterprise operators and many other entrepreneurs from these communities have all told us about their need for better access to broader markets. These enterprises have great potential for helping to sustain communities changing from a resource-based economy toward a new economic model.

Provide better access for First Nations communities to other members of their nations

A large percentage, in some cases over half, of First Nations citizens have left their traditional communities to seek employment or education in more urban settings. Communication with their families and friends is often difficult when they reside in large cities. The introduction of broadband will enable much better communications between those in urban and rural centres and may also enable many residents to earn a living without leaving their home communities.

Ways to use Broadband Services to Enhance Community Economic Development in First Nations  (PDF 121KB)

View the 2003 Report on Aboriginal Community Connectivity Infrastructure (PDF 365KB) , published May 5, 2004, for an analysis of the information and communication technologies in the Aboriginal communities of Canada.