Working with Partners to Bridge the Digital Divide

Government has made a commitment to bridge the digital divide in British Columbia. Success for citizens depends on alliances and partnerships among all levels of government and the broader public sector, community organizations and networks, and the telecommunications sector.

Bridging the divide is part of government's plan to improve education, health and economic opportunities in rural and remote areas by enabling citizens to connect to the world through high speed Internet. It also supports the government's goal of enabling more citizens to access e-government services.

In 2005 the provincial government developed a self-funding strategic plan to address the major barrier to Internet access in the province – the creation of affordable, accessible, Internet access gateways in communities. Affordable gateway access creates opportunities for local Internet service providers to offer high-speed Internet services to homes and businesses.

Aggregation of telecommunications service needs across core government and the broader public sector is one aspect of government’s strategic plan. This gives government more purchasing power to achieve higher network speeds at a lower cost and it improves network management. This enables more efficient service to citizens and it decreases government’s telecommunications spend, making investments in the digital divide cost neutral for taxpayers.

Telecommunications companies big and small are integral to government’s vision and plan for connectivity in British Columbia. Partnerships with major network providers are necessary for the creation of affordable Internet access points in communities. Local Internet service providers (profit and not-for-profit) are key for distribution of services to homes and businesses within communities.

Organizations formed to promote the need for telecommunications and to assist communities are also key to the plan. These organizations are positioned to organize conferences and training to support communities and community champions.

Creating last mile distribution networks requires coordination at the community level. Within communities, champions are required to create awareness and understanding of the need for connectivity and coordinating local community network projects. Part of government’s plan is to identify and support these champions and encourage them to get community networks in place.

Municipalities, band councils, regional districts and federal departments all key to the success of the provincial government’s connectivity plan. Through funding partnerships and strategic alliances, all levels of government support community champions and Internet service providers to get their local networks created and maintained.

For more information on how your organization can be part of this initiative, contact Network BC at DigitalDivide@gov.bc.ca.