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Fort St. John and other northern communities may benefit from the new Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) policies aimed at reducing internet costs. The CRTC's initiatives include public consultations on equitable subsidies, automatic bill reductions by Northwestel Inc. for extended service disruptions, and improved network access for competing providers. These changes respond to longstanding issues of high costs and frequent service outages, affecting residents' access to essential online services. Read more here.
CRTC plans to provide a subsidy that will be available to households and ISPs in the Far North, including terrestrial and satellite-based providers. This means that Starlink, SpaceX’s low-Earth orbit satellite service, will be eligible to offer discounted internet access.
On January 30, 2025, the CRTC instructed Northwestel to begin automatically reducing bills for extended service disruptions of a day or more. Additionally, the CRTC is proposing policy that it hopes will improve access to Northwestel network for competing providers.
As the consultation process continues, the final list of the northern communities eligible to receive subsidy is still being finalized.
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November 1, 2024
The Broadband Internet and Mobility Committee (BIMC) has made the 2024 Regional Connectivity Strategy Report available to the public. This report, created by Planetworks Consulting, was started on May 9, 2024 and presented to the BIMC on October 23, 2024. It explains the region's connectivity status as of September 2024 and offers strategic advice for BIMC's plans in 2025.
View the 2024 Connectivity Strategy Report
May 9, 2024
Planetworks Consulting started the Regional Connectivity Strategy Report Project. It is expected to finish in late Fall 2024.
Once completed, the Broadband Internet and Mobility Committee (BIMC) will receive a report detailing the region's connectivity needs and offering future connectivity recommendations for the Peace River Regional District.
November 15, 2022
The Regional Board approved the Regional Connectivity Services Bylaw No. 2487, 2022 to allow the PRRD to partner with internet and cellular providers. This bylaw will enable the PRRD to apply for grants, fund broadband infrastructure projects, and manage broadband initiatives.
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Expanding Broadband Access
As demand for new applications increases, consumers and businesses are using more bandwidth. In response, local governments across the nation are now owning and operating broadband infrastructure. Traditionally managed by private companies, these governments are now expected to lead innovation and use broadband to enhance economic diversity, resilience, and prosperity in their communities.
PRRD Connectivity Strategy
The PRRD Connectivity Strategy is a shared vision from Electoral Areas B, C, D and E, along with the City of Dawson Creek, District of Chetwynd, District of Taylor, District of Hudson’s Hope and the Village of Pouce Coupe.
Meeting Connectivity Standards
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has set minimum internet speeds of 50 mbps for downloads and 10 mbps for uploads in Canada. As technology advances, demand will likely surpass this "50/10 mbps target." Despite funding to improve broadband, many people still struggle with connections. Local governments need to take an active role in expanding broadband infrastructure in their areas.
