Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations

Bridging the digital divide requires cooperation and collaboration among all levels of government, the private sector and local citizens.

The Ministry of Labour, Citizens’ Services and Open Government, through Network BC, has formed alliances and partnerships with the private sector and the federal government to increase access to high-speed Internet services for citizens in rural and remote areas of B.C. Each of the partnerships and collaborations described below contributes to increased connectivity and brings B.C. closer to its goal of 100 per cent of citizens and businesses having access to high-speed Internet.

TELUS/BC Government Partnership

High-speed Internet access in rural areas is crucial for the future of our young people and their education, the health of families, and for the competitiveness of our businesses. The Province has signed a 10-year strategic telecommunications contract with TELUS, which leverages telecommunications benefits for people in rural and remote areas (rural benefits).

On July 29, 2011 the Province signed an agreement with TELUS to increase access to Internet services in rural and remote areas and expand access to cellular services along segments of Provincial highways.  The Connecting British Columbia Agreement builds on the success of the previous Connecting Communities Agreement, under which TELUS upgraded, or provided Internet access to many communities for the first time, at no cost to government.  Under the new agreement, TELUS will provide the following rural benefits: 

• Maintain Internet gateways or points-of-presence in 119 central offices throughout the province.
• Offer affordable wholesale Internet access for regional and local service providers, so they can continue to provide local coverage for rural and remote British Columbians.
• Increase Internet speeds up to ten-fold in many areas connected under a previous agreement between the Province and TELUS.  Increased Internet speeds assist regional and local Internet service providers to offer quality Internet experiences to business, schools, and citizens.
• Work towards the goal to increase the current level of connectivity in the province from 93 per cent to 97 per cent through various programs and commitments such as the Deferral Account program managed by TELUS.
• Work with the Province and other partners on strategies to address the connectivity needs of the remaining three per cent of citizens who live in very remote areas that cannot be served by land-based systems.
• Improve access to cellular services by installing more than 1,700km of new cellular services along sections of primary and secondary highways.  As more than half of all 911 calls are currently made from cell phones, this expansion is a vital step forward for public safety.

For more information visit the Connecting BC Website.

Provincial/Federal Collaborations

Building a digital economy, supporting First Nations connectivity and regulating the telecommunications industry to increase competition and choice are all factors that make the federal government a key partner in bridging the digital divide. Here are examples of partnerships and collaborations that contribute to bridging the digital divide in British Columbia:

Digital Economy Strategy – The federal government has committed to develop a national digital economy strategy and has undertaken consultations to inform its development. The provincial and federal government share a common vision - to see all citizens with the opportunity to receive affordable world class telecommunications services on an equitable basis. Through strategic partnerships, right now 93 per cent of British Columbians have access to high-speed Internet.  Yet there remains an estimated 300,000 citizens who do not have access. 

For more details, please visit the Digital Economy website.

Broadband Canada Program – The Province collaborates with the federal government to ensure federal and provincial programs are coordinated and complimentary. For details visit the Broadband Canada site.

Deferral Account – As part of its regulatory authority, the federal government directed TELUS to invest a portion of its revenues to connect rural and remote areas.  TELUS’ project to connect communities using deferred revenue complements and contributes to government’s goal of 100 per cent connectivity for citizens and businesses in B.C.

Telecommunications Regulations – The federal government holds regulatory authority over the telecommunications industry. Industry Canada and the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission often consult with the Province on policies and regulatory changes. They also provide an avenue for the Province to engage with the federal government to create a desirable business environment for Internet service expansion in B.C.  Examples include:  the 700 MHz consultation and the Usage-Based Broadband hearings.

National Satellite Initiative Round One – When governments collaborate, creative and cost- effective solutions to bridging the digital divide can be found. The federal government provides the Province with access to satellite bandwidth. This enables the Province to lower the cost of satellite service in some very remote communities in B.C., some of which are First Nations.

Provincial/Local Collaborations

Local Internet service providers, community networks and associations, regional funding agencies, regional districts and municipalities all play a role in connecting British Columbians.

Local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) – This key segment of B.C.’s telecommunications sector ensures that high-speed Internet access leveraged by the Province under the TELUS/BC partnership (Connecting British Columbia Agreement) translates into services accessed and purchased by citizens living in rural and remote areas. In B.C., more than 150 small and medium-sized local ISPs work to keep citizens and businesses connected to the world, which benefits the economy, health, education and enhances public safety. Dialogue with local and regional ISPs is an important part in creating strategies to bridge the digital divide. For example, the Connecting Citizens Grant Program was designed to eliminate barriers to service expansion identified through dialogue with local ISPs.

Provincial/First Nations Partnerships – Under the Pathways to Technology project led by First Nations organizations, the provincial and federal government have provided $40.8 million to connect or enhance connectivity to First Nations communities. To date, 157 of 203 First Nations communities have some Internet access.  Over the next three to five years, the Pathways to Technology project expects to connect or enhance connectivity to more than 50 remote First Nations communities that currently have no or only limited service. 

The Pathways to Technology project is being led by a Project Steering Committee consisting of First Nations organizations that meet on a regular basis to provide guidance and direction to the project. The All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO) provides project management and financial expertise.  ANTCO has contracted with TELUS, NorthwesTel and other private telecommunications providers to deliver the necessary infrastructure and expertise.  For more information, please visit the Pathways website.

In addition to funding the construction of the broadband infrastructure network, the Pathways to Technology project has established a $5 million Capacity Building Fund, delivered by the First Nations Technology Council, to provide training and support programs. This will help provide communities and new users with the online technical skills needed to capitalize on the full benefits of the Internet.

Local Governments – Demand for connectivity at the local level often provides the impetus to find connectivity solutions at the local level. The annual Union of BC Municipalities Annual Convention is a key venue to explore  provincial and local government collaborations.