Call out to internet service providers serving the Basin

by Keith Powell — August 21, 2014

(Columbia Basin) – Columbia Basin Trust is reaching out to identify small- to medium-sized local and regional Internet service providers (ISPs) that are interested in expanding connectivity and/or upgrading existing infrastructure to meet new federal standards for broadband in the Columbia Basin and Boundary regions. This appeal is being done in cooperation with the Regional Broadband Committee, comprised of the regional districts of Central Kootenay, Kootenay Boundary, East Kootenay and Columbia Shuswap, the Village of Valemount and the Ktunaxa Nation Council.

Through the Digital Canada 150: Connecting Canadians initiative, the Canadian government has recently committed to $305 million in funding. More details of the federal program and criteria for applications are expected to be released in the fall, but the Trust is working with partners and stakeholders to develop strategies to take advantage of funding. The Trust has identified some immediate priorities which include:

establishing which ISPs are interested in collaborating with the Trust to pursue funding under the federal program.
encouraging ISPs to update Industry Canada mapping data to confirm eligibility for federal funding before the Industry Canada deadline of August 30.

The complete call to ISPs can be found on our website.

The Trust recognizes that collaboration and funding is critical for residents of rural and remote areas to gain access to high-speed Internet. The significant cost of infrastructure and low population density in many such areas mean that service providers can't generate a return on investment for extending services without support through public capital investments.

Please advise the Trust of your interest to collaborate in funding applications for broadband development projects in the Columbia Basin and Boundary region. All responses and related questions can be directed to [email protected] or by calling 1.250.365.6633.

For more information on how the Trust is connecting the Basin.