What is the plan?

In the short term, the plan involves working with our partners to open community access points to inexpensive bandwidth in support of a local broadband network. We expect this will enable over 70 communities to get connected in the coming months, with the remainder over the next few years.

The plan also focuses on increasing the capacity of the Provincial Learning Network (PLN), to bring broadband high-speed Internet access to all of the province’s K-12 schools and upgrade many of those with slower connectivity.

At the same time these short-term goals are being completed, work is also being done to achieve the longer-term goal of creating the next generation provincial public sector network. The next generation provincial network will provide faster network speeds; unlimited bandwidth with no additional costs; farther network reach into all corners of the province; state of the art optical technology; and the ability to rethink and redesign the way services are delivered.

By aggregating public sector spending, including that of the health and education sectors, core government and other groups such as community networks and crown corporations, BC can become much more cost effective and strategic in its approach to telecommunications.

These short and long-term plans will help bridge the digital divide in BC and strengthen BC’s technology network. However, the success of these plans depends largely on the involvement of members of currently unserved communities. Individuals, community groups and business members are all key to community successes. Bridging the divide cannot happen without the energy, determination and hard work of local communities.

For more information on how you can get involved and work with government and the private sector to bridge the digital divide in your community, click on the Communities link on this page.