First Nations Innovation - Publications

Conference Papers and Proceedings
#56 (2013)

To read or download, click on the link in the reference.

Publication #56 2013, October - Building First Nation Owned and Managed Fibre Networks Across Quebec

Reference: Whiteduck, T., Beaton, B. (2013) Building First Nation Owned and Managed Fibre Networks Across Quebec. World Social Science Forum, Montreal, QC, Canada. October.

Abstract: In Canada, small rural and remote communities continue to struggle to access equitable and affordable high speed internet connections that address local priorities and needs.The First Nations Education Council (FNEC) is working with their community partners across Quebec to plan and operate a First Nation owned and managed fibre network to deliver broadband connections throughout each community. Public and private partnerships were established by FNEC to fund and construct the regional and local networks connecting these rural and remote communities. The paper describes the history of this development along with its future goals. Sharing infrastructure and network support services with all the other service providers (health, education, administration, justice, policing, homes, etc) in each of these communities helps to sustain the ongoing operation and maintenance of the network.