BCN is a not-for-profit, First Nations majority controlled company which delivers high speed connectivity to nearly 40 Manitoba First Nations throughout the province. BCN has been in operation for almost 2 years and runs the largest First Nations broadband network in Manitoba.
BCN's goal is to use broadband infrastructure as a means of community economic development. A local Internet Service Provider (ISP) model has been developed whereby local ISPs are created, owned and operated within each community. These can be Band operated or run by a local entrepreneur. With this model, home and business users purchase Internet service from the local community ISP which in turn purchases wholesale service from BCN. Economies of scale allow BCN to offer discounted bandwidth rates as well as technical and business support for local ISPs.
There are several benefits in joining BCN’s network:
- Wholesale internet – Near-cost pricing for local ISPs
- No bandwidth caps or overages – No download/upload limits per month
- Public IP space – Required for video conferencing, webcams, VoIP, and other advanced internet services
- Quality of Service (QoS) – Prioritization of traffic, also required for video conferencing, VoIP and other advanced internet services
- Free Help Desk services – Free support to local ISPs for all BCN certified equipment
- Self Governance and Control – Decide what’s best for your community by setting your own prices, offering services, and even choosing your own equipment
- Board Representation – Membership and representation at the Board level
Industry Canada (IC) and Indian and Northern Affairs (INAC) are preparing to roll out capital funding for infrastructure, inclusive of broadband. The available funds are meant to provide 1.5Mbits to the home – the new IC high speed definition.
Both IC and INAC have stated that joint applications are favorably looked upon. IC and INAC have also indicated that they are looking to fund "shovel ready projects". The First Nations Infrastructure Fund for Manitoba has indicated that they are allocating $33 million for infrastructure projects in Manitoba with a maximum of $10 million per project. IC has earmarked $225 million across the country for Broadband infrastructure. Funding is provided on a 50/50 cost basis, but First Nations are allowed stacking; to what level has yet to be determined. The deadline for the INAC fund is Oct 2, 2009 and the deadline for the IC application is Oct 23rd, 2009.
If you are an existing BCN customer, we are interested in continuing to work with you to enhance and increase current broadband capacity. As such, we have identified various technological enhancements for your community, however we require your feedback and support. BCN is required to obtain an updated Band Council Resolution (BCR) to support the agreed upon project plan.
If your community is currently not served by BCN and/or underserved by other ISPs, BCN is also interested in working with you to accomplish your connectivity goals. BCN can work with the community to develop a joint project plan. BCN is required to obtain a BCR to support the plan.
If your community already has a local ISP in place and would like to facilitate your own submission, BCN can offer advisory services. Additionally, BCN can offer backhaul, IP space, and training.
BCN is proposing the following steps to meet the application deadline on time:
Action Plan:
- Step 1: Contact BCN to express your interest (by September 21st, 2009)
- Step 2:Discuss community Broadband project plan with BCN
- Step 3:BCN develops project plan and timeline with communities
- Step 4:Band Council Resolution sent to BCN. Alternatively, given the timeline, BCN will accept a Letter of Intent until the BCR can be submitted (Deadline September 30th, 2009)
- Step 5:BCN submits joint application on behalf of all participating communities
- Step 6:BCN continues to work with communities to develop local ISP business case
BCN is very interested in working with all First Nations communities to ensure that adequate funds are accessed and utilized for the maximum benefit of participating communities. However, time is running short and we need to initiate this process quickly in order to submit the proposal by the October 2nd deadline. If there are any further details required, please contact us at your earliest convenience. Our office hours are Monday – Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Contact Information
Stephen Ramchandar - 1.888.924.6226 x7005 or 204.594.9002
Cindy Findlay - 1.888.924.6226 x7007 or 204.594.9003
Amara Waddell - 1.888.924.6226 x7109 or 204.594.9000
Mike Ducharme - 1.888.924.6226 x7103