WHEREAS access to high speed internet and cell phone coverage has been an ongoing promise to residents of Canada from various levels of government; AND WHEREAS many rural areas in Canada still do not have access to these services, which deters people from moving to these areas, adversely impacting economic development and business opportunities in rural BC and rural Canada: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM strongly encourage the provincial and federal governments to move quickly toward ensuring the availability of high speed internet and cell phone service to every Canadian community.
Ministry of Labour, Citizens Services Open Government The Government of British Columbia has leveraged the Provinces telecommunications buying power to improve high speed Internet connectivity in rural and remote communities and to expand cellular services along provincial highway segments. On July 29, 2011, the Province signed a new agreement with TELUS that will provide over 1,700 kilometers of new cellular coverage along unconnected highway segments within the next five years, a vital step for public safely. In addition, Internet connections to designated rural and remote communities will be improved by increasing bandwidth up to ten times the current speed, enabling broader access for rural families and businesses. The Provinces goal is to see every community in British Columbia connected with high speed Internet in the next 10 years, and will work with the private sector and other levels of government to make this happen. The Province continues to take every opportunity to represent the interests of rural British Columbians by participating in federal telecommunication consultations. The Province advocates for providers to increase service in rural areas and urges the federal government to consult with provinces and municipalities before it makes reforms to existing telecommunications policies.