B.C. government lowers targets for First Nations broadband Internet access

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      The B.C. government has lowered its targets for improving access to broadband Internet in First Nations communities.

      According to the Ministry of Citizens’ Services’ service plan for 2010-11 to 2012-13, the government’s current goal is to see 160 of the 203 First Nations in B.C., or 79 percent, have high-speed connectivity in 2010-11.

      The service plan was released today (March 2) as part of Finance Minister Colin Hansen’s 2010 provincial budget.

      Back in September 2009, the target stated in the ministry’s service plan update for 2009-10 to 2011-12 was 165 First Nations, or 81 percent, having broadband access in 2010-11.

      The new service plan’s target for 2011-12 is 180 First Nations, or 89 percent, with broadband.

      It says 195 First Nations, or 96 percent, should have broadband in 2012-13.

      The previous service plan update had a 2011-12 target of 190 First Nations, or 94 percent.

      Both service plans call the targets a “performance measure” that “demonstrates the level of success in supporting First Nations access to broadband facilities”.

      “Our commitment to bridge the digital divide in British Columbia continues, and we look forward to working collaboratively with First Nations, the private sector and other levels of government to achieve this goal,” Minister of Citizens’ Services Ben Stewart states in his message opening the new service plan.

      The government’s 2009-10 forecast is 140 First Nations, or 69 percent, with broadband.

      That’s 63 First Nations still lacking high-speed connectivity at this time.

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

      Comments

      2 Comments

      Nathaniel

      Mar 2, 2010 at 11:46pm

      Darn. Wish I could have free broadband. I have to work for mine. If only I'd been born on a reserve!

      Beyond Hope

      Mar 28, 2010 at 1:40pm

      Hey Nathanial don't go wishing for something you have no idea about. What makes you feel its going to be free? Isn't it a CTRC communication protocol for cities to be provided this service? So why shouldn't us First Nation people have similar entitlement? Geez buddy you surely are out to date with rights! Lest we forget the longer we are kept in the dark the bigger the fight gets!!!