ITAN ( In The Air Networks, Inc)  and Okanagan.net ( Telus Business Partner and ISP)   both from Kelowna have now partnered / worked on  FOUR  ' last mile ' wireless Internet communities.  We have provided the complete solution for the community: the wireless engineering, core implementation, solar powered mountain sites, radio and equipment supply, training, assistance as locals implement the client side additions,  on going client billing and network management for these communities.

As an example Edgewood has over 50 clients/subscribers and a core network of 15 radios which is ready to serve many more subscribers in the valleys and areas around the town.

Any authorized town by Telus and Network BC is eligible. Towns must use a Telus registered Business partner  as an ISP.

Network BC
www.network.gov.bc.ca
Towns List
www.network.gov.bc.ca/pop.htm

As Minister responsible for connecting communities in British Columbia, I am pleased to inform you that the Ministry of Labour and Citizens’ Services is launching a new program to bridge the digital divide in rural and remote communities. The program could directly benefit your community.

Starting immediately, the Connecting Citizens Grant Program will help rural and remote communities achieve "last mile" broadband Internet connectivity into local homes and businesses. The Province will also leverage its telecommunications buying power to achieve "last mile" Internet connections and to expand cellular phone service. These new commitments to bridging the digital divide in rural and remote B.C. were announced by the Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia, in his annual speech to the Union of B.C. Municipalities on September 26, 2008.

The Connecting Citizens Grant Program will make a total of $5.2 million available to communities across rural British Columbia over the next three years. The grant program will assist community networks and Internet service providers in rural and remote areas of British Columbia to purchase needed infrastructure for "last mile" service and to enable better community access to existing Internet gateways.

The Connecting Citizens Grant Program is in response to rural community feedback that, "last mile" infrastructure, in addition to the existing Internet gateways, is critical to providing citizens with high-speed Internet access. This program is an opportunity for you to work with others in your community or area to initiate a project for "last mile" connectivity to homes and businesses.

Under the Connecting Citizens Grant Program, grants of up to $50,000 per community will be distributed by my ministry through Network BC. (Network BC provides leadership and support for strategic use of telecommunications in British Columbia.) This new program follows on the success of the Community Networking Infrastructure Grant Program, which has already helped 57 rural and remote B.C. communities achieve "last mile" service.

The Province is committed to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all British Columbians can share in the economic, educational and social benefits that connected communities can bring.

I hope you share in my delight at this announcement and the opportunity it represents for families and small businesses in rural B.C.

Grant applications for the current year will be accepted until November 7, 2008. For further information or to apply for a grant for your community, please refer to the Network BC website at www.network.gov.bc.ca or call 250 356-6118.
I wish you every success in your efforts to bring connectivity to your area.

Sincerely,

Iain Black
Minister of Labour and Citizens' Services

1. What is the purpose of the Connecting Citizens Grant Program?
   This program helps eliminate the barriers to last mile costs for communities. It helps pay for infrastructure, enabling connectivity to more citizens in more parts of B.C.
2. Is this a one-time grant?
   A community (area, locale) can receive only one grant under this program. In that respect this is a one-time grant.
3. Will there be other opportunities to apply?
   This is a multi-year program. One intake of applications is anticipated for this fiscal year (ending March 31, 2009). Applications are due to Network BC no later than November 7, 2008.
4. What is the review process once applications are received by Network BC?
   Applications will be received by Network BC, documented, and presented to an adjudication committee for evaluation. This is a proven approach to ensuring consistency and equitability in grant administration. All applicants will be notified via letter.
5. When will funding be made available to successful applicants?
   Network BC anticipates confirming successful applications in early 2009.
6. If a community broadband project is already underway, does it qualify?
   If it is completed, it does not qualify. If it is underway, it qualifies. Preference will be given to projects that have not directly benefited from previous government funding.
7. Who will own the equipment purchased with the grant?
   The applicant will own any equipment purchased with the grant.
8. How is ‘community’ defined under this program?
   Community refers broadly to any town, village, suburb, subdivision, rural route or coverage area where service will be offered to citizens.
9. Is the funding divided equally among the stated priorities?
   Funding will be allocated in order of priority as described under the ‘Preference for Funding’ section of the program criteria.
10. What would demonstrate ‘community support’ for a connectivity project?
    Community support could be in the form of letters of support from local groups such as economic development, community development or business/tourism organizations, civic governments or signatures of local citizens committed to purchasing services.
11. Why is Network BC offering a grant program?
    Citizens in rural and remote areas of B.C. have been very vocal about their need for broadband. Regional Internet service providers and broadband advocates have identified high cost of infrastructure as a barrier to expansion of services to homes and businesses. Previous infrastructure grants provided by Network BC have proven effective in getting more citizens connected.
12. Who was consulted in development of this program?
    Network BC continuously solicits and receives input from organizations and individuals committed to providing and receiving broadband connectivity. This input influences the development of all Network BC strategies and programs to Bridge the Digital Divide.
13. What other barriers to connectivity in rural and remote areas have been identified?
    Affordable access to Internet gateways was another key barrier identified in rural and remote areas. Network BC was able to leverage affordable access to Internet gateways for regional Internet service providers, enabling them to offer service to more homes and businesses.