Local and Indigenous governments, particularly those with rural and remote populations, are invited to participate in a study of broadband Internet speeds experienced in BC. Communities across British Columbia have voiced concerns that federal data on broadband Internet speeds, which is used to determine eligibility for connectivity funding programs, may not accurately reflect the broadband Internet speeds experienced in homes, businesses, and other locations at the community level.
Connected Communities within the provincial Ministry of Citizens’ Services, UBCM, and Northern Development Initiative Trust are responding collaboratively to these concerns with an independent study of differences between the broadband Internet speeds experienced in some BC communities, and the 50/10 Mbps speed identified on the federal government’s National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map. The study will produce factual information on Internet speeds in rural and remote communities, supporting analysis and informing dialogue between NDIT, Indigenous and local governments, Internet service providers, the Province, and the federal government. Data gathering and analysis will occur over the spring and summer months, with reporting of study results expected in fall 2021.
A key first step in this process is to identify which communities in BC have noted inconsistencies between the 50/10 Mbps Internet speed that federal maps indicate should be available, versus actual Internet speeds currently experienced by residents and businesses in the area.
Participate in the Study
Local or Indigenous governments with reports of Internet speeds lower than the 50/10 Mbps speeds shown on federal maps, are invited to self-identify by contacting UBCM and requesting to be included in the study. The research team seeks to understand the inconsistencies in reporting of Internet speeds across the province. Please provide the following information to Reiko Tagami, Policy Analyst, UBCM:
- names of communities, areas, or neighbourhoods where the Internet speeds experienced are below the 50/10 Mbps speeds indicated on federal maps
- name of the Indigenous or local government within whose boundaries these areas are located
- name, position, email, and telephone number of a senior staff person from the Indigenous or local government, whom the research team may contact for further information.