Bringing Broadband Access Points to Communities

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

BC Satellite Network

Network BC is enabling some remote unserved communities to gain broadband access via C-band satellite connections. This is part of Round 1 of the National Satellite Initiative, a federal, provincial partnership. A special arrangement has been made with Infosat Communications, the Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services and Peer 1 Networks to provide a high-speed broadband satellite connection and low cost Internet transit for designated communities. Network BC has identified the following communities to receive satellite service. 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 has partnered with TELUS to bring broadband access points to 366 BC communities. The arrangement with TELUS has brought affordable, high-speed open network access to the communities identified by the Premier’s Technology Council. Small, local community or provincial Internet service providers 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

Next to affordable Internet access, communities have identified the high cost of community infrastructure as a barrier to expanding services to more citizens. To help make the last mile connection, the Province 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. The community projects it funded are either completed or under way.