Putting the ‘Last-Mile’ First final report highlights First Nation broadband innovation
December 1, 2010
The final report, Putting the ‘Last-Mile’ First: Re-framing Broadband Development in First Nations and Inuit Communities, is now available for download on the project website:
http://www.sfu.ca/cprost/docs/Putting-the-Last-Mile-First-Dec-1-2010.pdf
This report highlights the leadership shown by First Nations and Inuit communities in the development of broadband infrastructure and use of information and communication technologies. Project partners are Simon Fraser University, the University of New Brunswick, Keewaytinook Okimakanak, Atlantic Canada's First Nation Help Desk, the First Nations Education Council, and the First Nations Technology Council.
Further details on the report, and the process leading to the final report, are available on the project website: http://www.sfu.ca/cprost/tacs.html
As well, as an outcome of the project, a group led by the report partners, Regional First Nation IT Networks, and First Nations connectivity leaders across Canada began steps to form the First Mile Connectivity Consortium (FMCC). FMCC will be a national consortium emerging as an outcome of the collaborative process leading to the First Mile report, and an expressed desire from participants to continue the momentum.
Although founded by and originally focused on First Mile solutions for First Nations communities in remote and rural Canada, the FMCC will welcome members from anywhere who share its goals and principles. FMCC’s goal is to provide a forum for broadband development organizations to learn from each other, and share practices and results with everyone interested, including those who are involved in the process of crafting broadband policy decisions.
The FMCC will meet regularly, disseminate information, nurture community-driven projects, and encourage adoption of its principles by communities, information sector players, and government.