Whereas access to fast, affordable broadband internet and cell phone service is essential in todays digital world; And whereas broadband internet and cell phone service in many rural and remote communities across British Columbia is either non-existent or too slow and unreliable to access many services necessary for economic and social well-being; And whereas during an emergency where social interaction is limited or traditional communications infrastructure is compromised, it is imperative that citizens have reliable broadband internet and cell phone service to access health care, education, online meeting platforms, emergency information, and other programs relating to health and wellness; And whereas while fees charged for broadband internet and cell phone service in rural and remote communities are among the highest in Canada and the world, the quality of service has in many instances declined in recent months: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the Province of BC to establish an infrastructure framework to ensure that equal access to internet and cell phone service is available to all British Columbians.
Ministry of Citizens Services The ministry acknowledges that equitable access to fast, affordable broadband and cell phone services is critical in todays digital world. Access to the internet is crucial to spur innovation and empower British Columbians not just in major urban cities but also in villages and towns, including Indigenous communities across the province. Working together, both the federal and provincial governments have recently announced measures to spark connectivity in rural and remote communities. The Universal Broadband Fund is part of Canadas High-speed Access for All: Canadas Connectivity Strategy, https:www.ic.gc.caeicsite139.nsfengh00002.html a collaborative infrastructure framework coordinated with the provinces and territories. In terms of affordability, recipients benefitting from program funding must provide broadband services at a price that is no higher than the broadband services provided by service providers in major urban areas. The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented situation and highlighted the critical need for connectivity for all British Columbians to help connect them to work, school, government resources and stay in touch with family and friends. As part of StrongerBC, B.C.s Economic Recovery Plan, the B.C. government has provided 90-million to the Connecting British Columbia program for connectivity expansion throughout the province. The funding is in addition to the 50-million expansion of the Connecting British Columbia program announced in 2019. The provincial government also monitors and participates as an intervenor in various proceedings issued by the national regulator, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission CRTC. Telecommunications is federally regulated by the CRTC and the Commission is committed to working with service providers to provide people with access to affordable, high-quality telecommunications services. For example, the CRTC issued a Call for comments regarding potential barriers to the deployment of broadband-capable networks in underserved areas in Canada inviting interested parties to identify regulatory steps to help reduce the costs associated with extending broadband and cellular networks. Local government and regional districts are encouraged to monitor this proceeding and to write to the CRTC to express their views.