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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
PRINCE GEORGE – Thirty B.C. communities, including Dunster,
Pinchi and Tsay Keh Dene, have received funding to help them bridge the digital
divide through broadband Internet access, Prince George-Mt. Robson MLA Shirley
Bond, Prince George North MLA Pat Bell and Prince George-Omineca MLA John
Rustad announced today.
NetworkBC, through the First Nations
Technology Council (FNTC) and the British Columbia Community Connectivity Co-operative (BC3), has provided $600,000 in Community
Networking Infrastructure Grants for the purchase of ‘last mile’ infrastructure
necessary to connect local Internet providers with a broadband point of
presence in their communities.
“Our government is committed to helping rural
communities across B.C. bridge the digital divide, ensuring they’re plugged
into the same opportunities available in urban centres,” said Bell.
“Internet connectivity brings to B.C.’s rural
and remote communities the same opportunities for education, healthcare and
business enjoyed by the rest of our province,” said Bond.
“Bringing broadband Internet access will also help ensure that our
rural regions take part in reaching the goal of making British Columbia the
continent’s best educated and most literate jurisdiction,” said Rustad.
These grants of up to $20,000 will help bring
Internet access to homes and businesses in 30 remote, rural and First Nations
communities.
“The First Nations Technology Council welcomes the leadership the
Province has shown with this funding, but much remains to be done. We look
forward to working with the Province to make sure all our communities benefit
from the possibilities emerging technology offers,” said Grand Chief Edward John
of the First Nations Summit.
“The task of bringing broadband connectivity to remote regions of the
province is as challenging as it is necessary,” said Arvo Koppel, chair of BC3. “We know that success in these 30
communities will provide a great model for the remaining rural regions that are
still striving to get connected.”
NetworkBC is a dedicated project office within
the Ministry of Labour and Citizens’ Services, working with British Columbia
communities and the private sector to connect all B.C. communities to broadband
telecommunications networks.
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Communications Director Ministry of Labour and Citizens’ Services 250 387-2699 |
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Visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca for online information and services. |
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