About Us
Broadband Communications North (BCN) is a not-for-profit incorporated entity. BCN is governed by a Board of Directors that is selected by members of the organization and made up of representatives from tribal councils, territorial political organizations, and independent First Nation communities.
BCN was incorporated in 2002 as a not-for-profit community driven network which initially targeted 28 un-served and underserved communities in Manitoba. Since then, BCN has been actively improving and expanding its network to serve more communities to facilitate equitable high-speed broadband. BCN now services over 50 rural, northern and remote communities in Manitoba.
The BCN network is one of the largest First Nations community networks in Canada, spanning over 1000 km, encompassing a large portion of the province of Manitoba. Services provided facilitate access to many critical services; including health care (telehealth), education, justice, and governance.
The BCN business model promotes the growth of local First Nations businesses, who employ and train First Nations people. With over 14 years of direct experience, BCN has developed key knowledge and assets in the running of a sustainable ISP. BCN is one of the only ISPs that has developed the capacity to work with the full range of technologies required to deliver connectivity to customers: satellite, fixed wireless, microwave, and fiber.
Our Mission
BCN’s mission is to build a strong broadband network connecting northern, remote and Aboriginal communities in Manitoba through access and infrastructure.
BCN recognizes the human growth and potential of individuals in remote and aboriginal communities as well as the positive impact that local business can foster in these communities. Therefore it is BCN’s goal to ensure that applications in e-health, e-learning, e-government, e-commerce and e-justice are accessible. Further, BCN believes in the importance of information technology for the effective participation of business and organizations in today’s economy. Effective information technology systems provide communications and information-sharing capabilities that have trans-formative effects on business operations and relationships. As well as afford better management of resources, and increased operational efficiencies.