THE PROJECT
Tsilhqot’in is made up of six Indigenous communities in BC that faced significant challenges in connectivity as there was no cellular service, land mobile radio system, or connected internet service available for any of these communities. After receiving a CIRA grant, Tsilhqot’in National Government worked with i-VALLEY to create a network design and working pilot demonstration that proved the operational, technical, and financial validity for a uniquely Tsilhqot’in-operated broadband.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Despite the impact of emerging competition from a larger ISP service, the project provided independent service to a small number of households in one of their six communities and ultimately demonstrated the importance of affordable, community-led connectivity.
RELATED LINKS
- Read CIRA’s blog, Recap: “Closing Indigenous digital divides” virtual meetup
- Visit Tsilhqot’in National Government website
