94 percent of B.C. First Nations expected to have broadband Internet by 2011-12

    1 of 1 2 of 1

      The B.C. government expects 94 percent of First Nations in the province to have broadband Internet access by the 2011-12 fiscal year.

      That’s according to the Ministry of Citizens’ Services’ service plan update for 2009-10 to 2011-12, one of the documents making up the updated provincial budget released on September 1 by Finance Minister Colin Hansen.

      Currently, 123 out of the 203 First Nations in B.C., or 61 percent, have high-speed connectivity, meaning 80 First Nations, or 39 percent, are still waiting for broadband.

      In 2007-08, 85 First Nations, or 42 percent, had broadband.

      According to the service plan update, the government’s target for 2009-10 is 140 First Nations, or 69 percent, with high-speed Internet.

      The target for 2010-11 is 165 First Nations, or 81 percent.

      If the province’s 2011-12 target of 190 First Nations with broadband is met, 13 First Nations, or six percent, will still lack broadband at that time.

      “The Provincial government continues to support First Nations-led connectivity and capacity building initiatives,” the service plan update states. “Targets have been aligned to a new approach to working collaboratively to connect First Nations to high-speed telecommunications.”

      In his message opening the service plan update, Minister of Citizens’ Services Ben Stewart notes that 92 percent of British Columbians have access to high-speed Internet.

      “Through Network BC, we will continue government’s commitment to close the digital divide even more, bringing Internet service to rural and remote areas of the province,” Stewart states.

      You can follow Stephen Hui on Twitter at twitter.com/stephenhui.

      Comments

      1 Comments

      Russell

      Sep 4, 2009 at 7:30pm

      That will probably help things in the communities, of that I've no doubt. However, it still leaves the 60% or more of us who have no place on reserve, who live off reserve, out in the cold. Nothing new.