In 2021, the provincial Ministry of Citizens' Services, UBCM, and the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) collaboratively launched an independent study to better understand the factors contributing to the difference in internet speeds between data published on the federal government’s National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map and some community experiences in BC.
Responding to a call for action by local governments, TANEx Engineering was contracted to undertake some research to better understand the issues and determine the extent of possible discrepancies. The study identified possible internet speed discrepancies in some areas; and found multiple reasons why a discrepancy might be experienced by community residents. A summary, Understanding Internet Speed Discrepancies, as well as TANEx Engineering’s full report, are now available online.
While the reasons some communities may experience slower internet speeds are complex and varied, TANEx identified a number of contributing factors:
- technical or network challenges;
- consumer preference and optimization of the internet service in the home or business; and
- varying ways of measuring and reporting speed.
“The active participation in this study by local and Indigenous governments demonstrates that they prioritize broadband internet connectivity as a building block for sustainable and thriving communities,” said Laurey-Anne Roodenburg, President, UBCM. “We look forward to continued collaboration with the Province and NDIT, as we use the study findings in our work towards connectivity solutions for all communities in BC.”
“This study is an important first step to better identify why some communities in BC are experiencing slower internet speeds. This is particularly important in rural and Indigenous communities where reliable connectivity can still be a challenge,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “This research will inform some immediate actions to address this issue to ensure communities in the province have access to dependable high-speed internet.”
"This report is another resource we can use when we review grant applications to the Connecting British Columbia program," said Joel McKay, Chief Executive Officer, NDIT. "As a result, more communities will benefit from reliable internet access as we continue to improve connectivity throughout BC."
For more information on understanding internet speeds, and measures to maximize speed in your home, business or community, see the BC Government’s Understanding Internet Speeds web pages.