Nunavut moves closer to high-speed access to the Internet

IQALUIT, NU January 27, 2003 -- The newly created Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation (NBDC) is starting work on a business plan that will lay the foundation for high-speed (broadband) access to the Internet for Nunavut residents.

Industry Canada's BRAND program (Broadband for Rural and Northern Development at www.broadband.gc.ca) announced the selection of the NBDC's proposal for business plan funding on January 24th. The NBDC is one of 89 organizations across Canada to receive the $30,000 grant.

The NBDC was created as a not-for-profit corporation by the Nunavut Broadband Task Force to help carry out the 26 recommendations outlined in the September 2002 report entitled, Sivumuuqpallianiq, Moving Forward: Strengthening Our Self-Reliance in the Information Age. The Nunavut Broadband Task Force was originally created by the Minister of Sustainable Development in the Government of Nunavut, and comprised members from the private sector, Inuit organizations, and GN representatives from the Department of Sustainable Development, Education, and Finance.

"Broadband access means that people in all of our communities will be able to use the Internet at faster speeds that support graphics, desktop video and audio conferencing. It will help our small businesses to buy and sell products and services in the global market. These tools will allow Inuit to speak with one another in Inuktitut over the Internet at inexpensive rates comparable to southern Canada," said Lorraine Thomas, Project Manager for NBDC's business plan development.

The NBDC's next step is to consult with Nunavummiut on their specific needs, and work with the private sector to identify the costs to provide those services. With this information, the NBDC will develop and submit a detailed business plan to Industry Canada by May 22, 2003 for specific financial assistance that will help Nunavut get connected to broadband services in all 25 Nunavut communities.

Nunavut has lagged behind the rest of Canada in connecting to the Internet at high speeds for many reasons, including our dependence on using expensive satellite technology without enough financial resources, our challenges to access technology and training due to our geography, and the need to utilize the right kinds of technologies that work for Nunavut's unique cultural and language requirements. The NBDC was created to help close the gap, so Nunavummiut have the same access to services as residents of southern Canada at similar prices.

For more information, visit the NBDC web site at:
www.nunavut-broadband.ca

or contact:
Lorraine Thomas, Project Manager
Ph. (867) 979-1303, fax (867) 979-1508
Email: lorraine@nunavut-broadband.ca