Government and industry consider next steps for improving broadband

FOR RELEASE
February 12, 2014

WHITEHORSE—Members of the Northern Communications and Information Systems Working Group and the telecommunications industry are convening in Whitehorse this week to discuss ways to improve connectivity in the North.

“Without access to fast, reliable and affordable broadband, northern businesses and residents will miss out on the full potential of telecommunications and information technologies,” Minister of Economic Development Currie Dixon said. “The Government of Yukon is pleased to host this forum to continue the work already underway on behalf of a better-connected North.”

In 2010, the Northern Communications and Information Systems Working Group was formed with the mandate to create more robust communications capabilities. It includes representatives from the three territorial governments, Industry Canada, Department of National Defense/Joint Task Force North, CanNor, and Public Safety Canada.

In January the working group released Northern Connectivity: Ensuring Quality Communications. The report defines a minimum standard for broadband connectivity, outlines the socio-economic benefits of achieving that standard, and compares implementation scenarios.

The report’s development was led by Yukon’s new Technology and Telecommunications Development Directorate, which was formed in 2013 to explore options for improving Yukon’s telecommunications environment.

During the two-day forum, working group and private sector delegates will discuss the report’s findings, as well as other communications and regulatory developments in the three northern territories.

Learn more
Northern Communications and Information Systems Working Group:northernconnectivity.ca

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Contact:

Elaine Schiman
Cabinet Communications
867-633-7961
elaine.schiman@gov.yk.ca

Shay Kokiw
Communications, Economic Development
867-456-6529
shay.kokiw@gov.yk.ca

News release #14-034

NT3