What is the Pathways to Technology project?
Pathways to Technology is a First Nations-led initiative to provide all 203 First Nations in BC with high-speed Internet services. The project is being implemented and managed by First Nations organizations although many other organizations are being engaged in various capacities and are making important contributions. Due to many complexities and variables, including limited financial resources, it may be four years or longer before all communities are connected. Please refer to the About the Project button on our home page for more detail.
How will this project benefit my community?
With access to affordable, high-speed connectivity communities will benefit by having access to many programs, services and opportunities that are commonly only available in mainstream urban centers. This includes communication tools, research services and a wide range of software applications for managing community resources. Individual community members will enjoy the same benefits, whether it be enrolling in online distance education or enjoying simple pleasures such as downloading music or joining a book club.
Communities will be better equipped to develop strategic plans and community development plans, and to acquire the essential skills and resources required to bring those plans to fruition.
Why is this project important? What are the benefits of broadband?
Communities that receive either enhanced connectivity or first-time connectivity will reap benefits in many areas including health, education, economic development, cultural development, land management, infrastructure monitoring and others. As an enabler of community growth and development, broadband connectivity is now generally acknowledged to be an important component of community infrastructure, on par with roads and water/sewer systems.
Can my community apply for funding?
No, this is not a proposal-driven project. The project will be rolled out in a strategic, systematic manner that collectively maximizes the benefits for First Nations in BC and thereby also optimizes the spending of project funds.
What is broadband connectivity?
Broadband and connectivity are used interchangeably to describe high-speed Internet access. Broadband makes it possible to send text, video and voice by cable, digital subscriber line, fibre optics or wireless connections.
Broadband eliminates waiting for dial-up connections and greatly improves the efficiency and ease of using the Internet.
Who runs and who owns Pathways to Technology?
ANTCO manages funds on behalf of a project Steering Committee comprised of ANTCO, FNTC and FNHC.
Who decides how the money gets spent?
The project Steering Committee makes decisions regarding the overall direction of the project, including fund expenditures, while ANTCO provides fiscal oversight and exercises its own internal controls.
Who do I contact for more information on this initiative?
We encourage visitors to this site to fully explore the site and the various descriptions, and to visit many of the suggested links to other sites. For additional information or questions click the Contact Us button on the home page.
Who is accountable for the funds?
ANTCO is responsible for fund management and financial control.
How do I know progress is being made?
Please check this website regularly and click on the News button, or sign up to receive updates on a regular basis through our electronic newsletter.
What community consultation happened in developing the Pathways to Technology project?
Community engagement is still to come, and communities will be contacted at the appropriate time as project implementation rolls out.
Was my community consulted in the development of this project?
Not yet, but communities will be consulted as the planning and design phase gives way to implementation.
Will this cost me anything?
There will not be any costs to the community for the development of the infrastructure. However upon completion there will be a monthly cost associated with accessing the Internet. These charges are yet to be determined and Internet service will always be optional: people, businesses and organizations may choose to subscribe or not to subscribe.
Will jobs be created in my community?
Some job creation is possible. The level of job creation will depend on the choices made by each community during the community engagement process.
How does my community get involved in this project?
Individual communities will be engaged at the appropriate point in the development of the project.
How many First Nations in BC currently have some form of connectivity?
There is not a definitive answer to this question, as it depends on how one defines “connectivity.” However our work to date indicates that, as of late 2008, approximately 85 First Nation communities in BC have some form of Internet connectivity.
What is Last Mile?
Last Mile refers to the distribution of high-speed connectivity within a community, i.e. the connections between end users (customers) and an Internet service provider (ISP) in the community. Three technologies are now in widespread use by ISPs: cable modem, DSL and wireless. These are known as access technologies.
What is CCA?
CCA is an acronym for Connecting Communities Agreement, a reference to an initiative launched by the Province of BC in 2005. Specifically, it is an agreement between the Province and TELUS whereby Telus will upgrade network facilities in designated remote communities to enable local Internet service providers (ISPs) to make the last-mile connection, and provide high speed Internet to homes, business, schools and hospitals. Some First Nation communities have already benefited from this initiative. (See: http://about.telus.com/digitaldivide/economic.html).
Who is ANTCO?
All Nations Trust Company is an Aboriginal owned and managed trust company in operation in BC since 1987. For over 20 years ANTCO has been active in Aboriginal economic development and on-reserve housing programs as a financial institution. Learn more by logging onto www.antco.bc.ca.
Who is FNTC?
FNTC is a society, incorporated under the Society Act (BC) and originally established as a committee mandated by resolution of the First Nations Summit “to develop a First Nations Technology Plan for First Nations in British Columbia which will address technology issues including: a) high speed internet connection, and b) technology skills development, and c) development of technical support.” The FNTC was later endorsed by the Union of BC Indian Chiefs and the BC Assembly of First Nations. The FNTC is mandated to serve and assist First Nations in BC in their achievement of: broadband connectivity; increased technical capacity; the development of technical support; and the revitalization of culture and languages using technology.
Who is FNHC?
The First Nations Health Council is a council created by the First Nations Leadership Council to oversee implementation of the Transformative Change Accord: First Nations Health Plan and the Tripartite First Nations Health Plan. This 10-year health plan is intended to close the health gaps that exist between BC First Nations peoples and other British Columbians. One of the key action areas in the plan is the establishment of a fully integrated clinical telehealth network for First nations in the province. Learn more by logging onto www.fnhc.ca.
Who is NetworkBC?
NetworkBC, part of the Ministry of Labour and Citizen’s Services, has a mandate to promote connectivity throughout BC. Learn more about NetworkBC by logging onto www.network.gov.bc.ca.
What is a POP?
When a telecommunications provider constructs the connectivity infrastructure (cable, ADSL cable, fibre optic, etc.) to the “edge of town” for any particular community, they are establishing a Point-of-Presence or “POP.” From the POP, connectivity signals must be transmitted to an ISP.
What is an ISP?
An Internet service provider is an entity (association or for-profit business) established for the purpose of offering connections to the Internet. Some cable and telephone companies act as ISPs to broad areas while small private organizations may offer service to smaller areas such as a single community or group of communities.
What is telehealth?
Telehealth is the use of technology to deliver health services over distance.
Telehealth has existed since the introduction of the telegraph, but new technology has expanded the possibilities for its use in medicine. Exciting tools such as tele-radiology, tele-psychiatry and the medical use of video conferencing are only available if a broadband infrastructure is in place.
What is the difference between ADSL, cable, fibre and satellite connectivity?
ADSL – This is the technology used by phone companies to deliver high-speed Internet connectivity to homes and businesses. This technology represents an advancement over dial-up because it permits data transmissions at the same time that the telephone is being used. ADSL is an acronym for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line.
Cable – the technology that allows Internet service to be provided over the same coaxial cable wiring used for cable television. Cable modems do not interfere with television signal transmission; both can be used at the same time.
Fibre – Refers to thin flexible glass fibre used to transmit information using pulses of light instead of electricity. A fibre can span longer distances than an electrical cable.
Satellite – An orbiting satellite beams signals to a receiver tower located in or near the community.
