<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html charset=us-ascii"></head><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space;">Just posted a lengthy comment.<div><br></div><div><a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/giving/have-your-say-how-can-we-help-canadians-gain-better-access-to-the-internet/article15585113/comments/?ord=0">http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/giving/have-your-say-how-can-we-help-canadians-gain-better-access-to-the-internet/article15585113/comments/?ord=0</a></div><div><br></div><div>JvL</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div style="color: rgb(238, 238, 238); font-size: 0px;">tart by asking and answering the right questions.
<br>
<br>WHY help Canadians gain better access to the Internet?
<br>
<br>What are the present and future benefits to community, society, economy and environment?
<br>
<br>If we tallied up all the projected benefits of universal digital
literacy and access, we would find that the related costs are
practically marginal.
<br>
<br>This is why a growing number of countries are committing to universal literacy and access, with very agressive timelines.
<br>
<br>They want to eat everyone's digital lunch, and at the rate we're going in Canada, they are going to get most of ours.
<br>
<br>
<br>Once the projected benefits are tallied up, we need to ask what
education and infrastructure solutions will best enable us to realize
the benefits.
<br>
<br>Then and only then will it be appropriate to engage the question of HOW to implement solutions.
<br>
<br>There is no point engaging the telecom or cable industries until we
have determined exactly what we need to do, and how we need to do it.
<br>
<br>Then it's a matter of telling industry where they fit in... not them telling us.
<br>
<br>
<br>The community of Olds, Alberta went through this process, and is now
building and operating its own optical fibre network (<a href="http://www.o-net.ca">www.o-net.ca</a>).
<br>
<br>When Olds told industry (Telus and Shaw) what it needed and asked
for their help, they weren't interested (putting it politely).
<br>
<br>Olds is therefore doing it themselves, because it's what they need.
<br>
<br>Period.
<br>
<br>
<br>Perhaps the biggest mistake we are making in Canada today is
allowing our telecom and cable industries to dictate our nation's
digital development agenda.
<br>
<br>It is far, FAR too valuable and important to leave in the hands of narrow private interests.
<br>
<br>DID YOU HEAR THAT, LOCAL AND SENIOR GOVERNMENTS ACROSS CANADA?
<br>
<br>
<br>Some communities are already leading the way through regional collaboration, especially in Ontario.
<br>
<br>Look at the projects in northern Ontario (K-Net), eastern Ontario (EORN) and now western Ontario (SWIFT).
<br>
<br>We have a great deal of work to do in catching up with the U.S.:
<br>
<br><a href="http://www.muninetworks.org">www.muninetworks.org</a>
<br><a href="http://www.ftthcouncil.org">www.ftthcouncil.org</a>
<br><a href="http://www.bbcmag.com">www.bbcmag.com</a>
<br><a href="http://www.ilsr.org">www.ilsr.org</a>
<br>
<br>You've asked how we can help Canadians gain better access to the Internet.
<br>
<br>I've laid out a process for answering this question in the most meaningful way.
<br>
<br>The highest and most immediate priority is to foster and support digital *leadership* at the community level.
<br>
<br>This is how we will achieve universal literacy and access most
efficiently in Canada, and no agency is better positioned for the role
than the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
<br>
<br>The next President of FCM will be Mayor Brad Woodside of
Fredericton, one of Canada's most knowledgeable, experienced and
passionate champions of community broadband.
<br>
<br>"We don't charge you to walk on our sidewalks. Why would we charge you for broadband [access]?"
<br>
<br>Imagine free wireless Internet access from coast to coast, without
ever changing networks or thinking about which network you are on.
<br>
<br>You're just connected, wherever you are.
<br>
<br>That's our futu</div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div style="color: rgb(238, 238, 238); font-size: 0px;">Start by asking and answering the right questions.
<br>
<br>WHY help Canadians gain better access to the Internet?
<br>
<br>What are the present and future benefits to community, society, economy and environment?
<br>
<br>If we tallied up all the projected benefits of universal digital
literacy and access, we would find that the related costs are
practically marginal.
<br>
<br>This is why a growing number of countries are committing to universal literacy and access, with very agressive timelines.
<br>
<br>They want to eat everyone's digital lunch, and at the rate we're going in Canada, they are going to get most of ours.
<br>
<br>
<br>Once the projected benefits are tallied up, we need to ask what
education and infrastructure solutions will best enable us to realize
the benefits.
<br>
<br>Then and only then will it be appropriate to engage the question of HOW to implement solutions.
<br>
<br>There is no point engaging the telecom or cable industries until we
have determined exactly what we need to do, and how we need to do it.
<br>
<br>Then it's a matter of telling industry where they fit in... not them telling us.
<br>
<br>
<br>The community of Olds, Alberta went through this process, and is now
building and operating its own optical fibre network (<a href="http://www.o-net.ca">www.o-net.ca</a>).
<br>
<br>When Olds told industry (Telus and Shaw) what it needed and asked
for their help, they weren't interested (putting it politely).
<br>
<br>Olds is therefore doing it themselves, because it's what they need.
<br>
<br>Period.
<br>
<br>
<br>Perhaps the biggest mistake we are making in Canada today is
allowing our telecom and cable industries to dictate our nation's
digital development agenda.
<br>
<br>It is far, FAR too valuable and important to leave in the hands of narrow private interests.
<br>
<br>DID YOU HEAR THAT, LOCAL AND SENIOR GOVERNMENTS ACROSS CANADA?
<br>
<br>
<br>Some communities are already leading the way through regional collaboration, especially in Ontario.
<br>
<br>Look at the projects in northern Ontario (K-Net), eastern Ontario (EORN) and now western Ontario (SWIFT).
<br>
<br>We have a great deal of work to do in catching up with the U.S.:
<br>
<br><a href="http://www.muninetworks.org">www.muninetworks.org</a>
<br><a href="http://www.ftthcouncil.org">www.ftthcouncil.org</a>
<br><a href="http://www.bbcmag.com">www.bbcmag.com</a>
<br><a href="http://www.ilsr.org">www.ilsr.org</a>
<br>
<br>You've asked how we can help Canadians gain better access to the Internet.
<br>
<br>I've laid out a process for answering this question in the most meaningful way.
<br>
<br>The highest and most immediate priority is to foster and support digital *leadership* at the community level.
<br>
<br>This is how we will achieve universal literacy and access most
efficiently in Canada, and no agency is better positioned for the role
than the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
<br>
<br>The next President of FCM will be Mayor Brad Woodside of
Fredericton, one of Canada's most knowledgeable, experienced and
passionate champions of community broadband.
<br>
<br>"We don't charge you to walk on our sidewalks. Why would we charge you for broadband [access]?"
<br>
<br>Imagine free wireless Internet access from coast to coast, without
ever changing networks or thinking about which network you are on.
<br>
<br>You're just connected, wherever you are.
<br>
<br>That's our future.</div></div><div><div style="color: rgb(238, 238, 238); font-size: 0px;">Start by asking and answering the right questions.
<br>
<br>WHY help Canadians gain better access to the Internet?
<br>
<br>What are the present and future benefits to community, society, economy and environment?
<br>
<br>If we tallied up all the projected benefits of universal digital
literacy and access, we would find that the related costs are
practically marginal.
<br>
<br>This is why a growing number of countries are committing to universal literacy and access, with very agressive timelines.
<br>
<br>They want to eat everyone's digital lunch, and at the rate we're going in Canada, they are going to get most of ours.
<br>
<br>
<br>Once the projected benefits are tallied up, we need to ask what
education and infrastructure solutions will best enable us to realize
the benefits.
<br>
<br>Then and only then will it be appropriate to engage the question of HOW to implement solutions.
<br>
<br>There is no point engaging the telecom or cable industries until we
have determined exactly what we need to do, and how we need to do it.
<br>
<br>Then it's a matter of telling industry where they fit in... not them telling us.
<br>
<br>
<br>The community of Olds, Alberta went through this process, and is now
building and operating its own optical fibre network (<a href="http://www.o-net.ca">www.o-net.ca</a>).
<br>
<br>When Olds told industry (Telus and Shaw) what it needed and asked
for their help, they weren't interested (putting it politely).
<br>
<br>Olds is therefore doing it themselves, because it's what they need.
<br>
<br>Period.
<br>
<br>
<br>Perhaps the biggest mistake we are making in Canada today is
allowing our telecom and cable industries to dictate our nation's
digital development agenda.
<br>
<br>It is far, FAR too valuable and important to leave in the hands of narrow private interests.
<br>
<br>DID YOU HEAR THAT, LOCAL AND SENIOR GOVERNMENTS ACROSS CANADA?
<br>
<br>
<br>Some communities are already leading the way through regional collaboration, especially in Ontario.
<br>
<br>Look at the projects in northern Ontario (K-Net), eastern Ontario (EORN) and now western Ontario (SWIFT).
<br>
<br>We have a great deal of work to do in catching up with the U.S.:
<br>
<br><a href="http://www.muninetworks.org">www.muninetworks.org</a>
<br><a href="http://www.ftthcouncil.org">www.ftthcouncil.org</a>
<br><a href="http://www.bbcmag.com">www.bbcmag.com</a>
<br><a href="http://www.ilsr.org">www.ilsr.org</a>
<br>
<br>You've asked how we can help Canadians gain better access to the Internet.
<br>
<br>I've laid out a process for answering this question in the most meaningful way.
<br>
<br>The highest and most immediate priority is to foster and support digital *leadership* at the community level.
<br>
<br>This is how we will achieve universal literacy and access most
efficiently in Canada, and no agency is better positioned for the role
than the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
<br>
<br>The next President of FCM will be Mayor Brad Woodside of
Fredericton, one of Canada's most knowledgeable, experienced and
passionate champions of community broadband.
<br>
<br>"We don't charge you to walk on our sidewalks. Why would we charge you for broadband [access]?"
<br>
<br>Imagine free wireless Internet access from coast to coast, without
ever changing networks or thinking about which network you are on.
<br>
<br>You're just connected, wherever you are.
<br>
<br>That's our future.</div></div><div><div style="color: rgb(238, 238, 238); font-size: 0px;">Start by asking and answering the right questions.
<br>
<br>WHY help Canadians gain better access to the Internet?
<br>
<br>What are the present and future benefits to community, society, economy and environment?
<br>
<br>If we tallied up all the projected benefits of universal digital
literacy and access, we would find that the related costs are
practically marginal.
<br>
<br>This is why a growing number of countries are committing to universal literacy and access, with very agressive timelines.
<br>
<br>They want to eat everyone's digital lunch, and at the rate we're going in Canada, they are going to get most of ours.
<br>
<br>
<br>Once the projected benefits are tallied up, we need to ask what
education and infrastructure solutions will best enable us to realize
the benefits.
<br>
<br>Then and only then will it be appropriate to engage the question of HOW to implement solutions.
<br>
<br>There is no point engaging the telecom or cable industries until we
have determined exactly what we need to do, and how we need to do it.
<br>
<br>Then it's a matter of telling industry where they fit in... not them telling us.
<br>
<br>
<br>The community of Olds, Alberta went through this process, and is now
building and operating its own optical fibre network (<a href="http://www.o-net.ca">www.o-net.ca</a>).
<br>
<br>When Olds told industry (Telus and Shaw) what it needed and asked
for their help, they weren't interested (putting it politely).
<br>
<br>Olds is therefore doing it themselves, because it's what they need.
<br>
<br>Period.
<br>
<br>
<br>Perhaps the biggest mistake we are making in Canada today is
allowing our telecom and cable industries to dictate our nation's
digital development agenda.
<br>
<br>It is far, FAR too valuable and important to leave in the hands of narrow private interests.
<br>
<br>DID YOU HEAR THAT, LOCAL AND SENIOR GOVERNMENTS ACROSS CANADA?
<br>
<br>
<br>Some communities are already leading the way through regional collaboration, especially in Ontario.
<br>
<br>Look at the projects in northern Ontario (K-Net), eastern Ontario (EORN) and now western Ontario (SWIFT).
<br>
<br>We have a great deal of work to do in catching up with the U.S.:
<br>
<br><a href="http://www.muninetworks.org">www.muninetworks.org</a>
<br><a href="http://www.ftthcouncil.org">www.ftthcouncil.org</a>
<br><a href="http://www.bbcmag.com">www.bbcmag.com</a>
<br><a href="http://www.ilsr.org">www.ilsr.org</a>
<br>
<br>You've asked how we can help Canadians gain better access to the Internet.
<br>
<br>I've laid out a process for answering this question in the most meaningful way.
<br>
<br>The highest and most immediate priority is to foster and support digital *leadership* at the community level.
<br>
<br>This is how we will achieve universal literacy and access most
efficiently in Canada, and no agency is better positioned for the role
than the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
<br>
<br>The next President of FCM will be Mayor Brad Woodside of
Fredericton, one of Canada's most knowledgeable, experienced and
passionate champions of community broadband.
<br>
<br>"We don't charge you to walk on our sidewalks. Why would we charge you for broadband [access]?"
<br>
<br>Imagine free wireless Internet access from coast to coast, without
ever changing networks or thinking about which network you are on.
<br>
<br>You're just connected, wherever you are.
<br>
<br>That's our futureStart by asking and answering the right questions. </div><div style="color: rgb(238, 238, 238); font-size: 0px;">
<br>WHY help Canadians gain better access to the Internet?
<br>
<br>What are the present and future benefits to community, society, economy and environment?
<br>
<br>If we tallied up all the projected benefits of universal digital
literacy and access, we would find that the related costs are
practically marginal.
<br>
<br>This is why a growing number of countries are committing to universal literacy and access, with very agressive timelines.
<br>
<br>They want to eat everyone's digital lunch, and at the rate we're going in Canada, they are going to get most of ours.
<br>
<br>
<br>Once the projected benefits are tallied up, we need to ask what
education and infrastructure solutions will best enable us to realize
the benefits.
<br>
<br>Then and only then will it be appropriate to engage the question of HOW to implement solutions.
<br>
<br>There is no point engaging the telecom or cable industries until we
have determined exactly what we need to do, and how we need to do it.
<br>
<br>Then it's a matter of telling industry where they fit in... not them telling us.
<br>
<br>
<br>The community of Olds, Alberta went through this process, and is now
building and operating its own optical fibre network (<a href="http://www.o-net.ca">www.o-net.ca</a>).
<br>
<br>When Olds told industry (Telus and Shaw) what it needed and asked
for their help, they weren't interested (putting it politely).
<br>
<br>Olds is therefore doing it themselves, because it's what they need.
<br>
<br>Period.
<br>
<br>
<br>Perhaps the biggest mistake we are making in Canada today is
allowing our telecom and cable industries to dictate our nation's
digital development agenda.
<br>
<br>It is far, FAR too valuable and important to leave in the hands of narrow private interests.
<br>
<br>DID YOU HEAR THAT, LOCAL AND SENIOR GOVERNMENTS ACROSS CANADA?
<br>
<br>
<br>Some communities are already leading the way through regional collaboration, especially in Ontario.
<br>
<br>Look at the projects in northern Ontario (K-Net), eastern Ontario (EORN) and now western Ontario (SWIFT).
<br>
<br>We have a great deal of work to do in catching up with the U.S.:
<br>
<br><a href="http://www.muninetworks.org">www.muninetworks.org</a>
<br><a href="http://www.ftthcouncil.org">www.ftthcouncil.org</a>
<br><a href="http://www.bbcmag.com">www.bbcmag.com</a>
<br><a href="http://www.ilsr.org">www.ilsr.org</a>
<br>
<br>You've asked how we can help Canadians gain better access to the Internet.
<br>
<br>I've laid out a process for answering this question in the most meaningful way.
<br>
<br>The highest and most immediate priority is to foster and support digital *leadership* at the community level.
<br>
<br>This is how we will achieve universal literacy and access most
efficiently in Canada, and no agency is better positioned for the role
than the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
<br>
<br>The next President of FCM will be Mayor Brad Woodside of
Fredericton, one of Canada's most knowledgeable, experienced and
passionate champions of community broadband.
<br>
<br>"We don't charge you to walk on our sidewalks. Why would we charge you for broadband [access]?"
<br>
<br>Imagine free wireless Internet access from coast to coast, without
ever changing networks or thinking about which network you are on.
<br>
<br>You're just connected, wherever you are.
<br>
<br>That's our future</div></div><div><div style="color: rgb(238, 238, 238); font-size: 0px;">Start by asking and answering the right questions.
<br>
<br>WHY help Canadians gain better access to the Internet?
<br>
<br>What are the present and future benefits to community, society, economy and environment?
<br>
<br>If we tallied up all the projected benefits of universal digital
literacy and access, we would find that the related costs are
practically marginal.
<br>
<br>This is why a growing number of countries are committing to universal literacy and access, with very agressive timelines.
<br>
<br>They want to eat everyone's digital lunch, and at the rate we're going in Canada, they are going to get most of ours.
<br>
<br>
<br>Once the projected benefits are tallied up, we need to ask what
education and infrastructure solutions will best enable us to realize
the benefits.
<br>
<br>Then and only then will it be appropriate to engage the question of HOW to implement solutions.
<br>
<br>There is no point engaging the telecom or cable industries until we
have determined exactly what we need to do, and how we need to do it.
<br>
<br>Then it's a matter of telling industry where they fit in... not them telling us.
<br>
<br>
<br>The community of Olds, Alberta went through this process, and is now
building and operating its own optical fibre network (<a href="http://www.o-net.ca">www.o-net.ca</a>).
<br>
<br>When Olds told industry (Telus and Shaw) what it needed and asked
for their help, they weren't interested (putting it politely).
<br>
<br>Olds is therefore doing it themselves, because it's what they need.
<br>
<br>Period.
<br>
<br>
<br>Perhaps the biggest mistake we are making in Canada today is
allowing our telecom and cable industries to dictate our nation's
digital development agenda.
<br>
<br>It is far, FAR too valuable and important to leave in the hands of narrow private interests.
<br>
<br>DID YOU HEAR THAT, LOCAL AND SENIOR GOVERNMENTS ACROSS CANADA?
<br>
<br>
<br>Some communities are already leading the way through regional collaboration, especially in Ontario.
<br>
<br>Look at the projects in northern Ontario (K-Net), eastern Ontario (EORN) and now western Ontario (SWIFT).
<br>
<br>We have a great deal of work to do in catching up with the U.S.:
<br>
<br><a href="http://www.muninetworks.org">www.muninetworks.org</a>
<br><a href="http://www.ftthcouncil.org">www.ftthcouncil.org</a>
<br><a href="http://www.bbcmag.com">www.bbcmag.com</a>
<br><a href="http://www.ilsr.org">www.ilsr.org</a>
<br>
<br>You've asked how we can help Canadians gain better access to the Internet.
<br>
<br>I've laid out a process for answering this question in the most meaningful way.
<br>
<br>The highest and most immediate priority is to foster and support digital *leadership* at the community level.
<br>
<br>This is how we will achieve universal literacy and access most
efficiently in Canada, and no agency is better positioned for the role
than the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
<br>
<br>The next President of FCM will be Mayor Brad Woodside of
Fredericton, one of Canada's most knowledgeable, experienced and
passionate champions of community broadband.
<br>
<br>"We don't charge you to walk on our sidewalks. Why would we charge you for broadband [access]?"
<br>
<br>Imagine free wireless Internet access from coast to coast, without
ever changing networks or thinking about which network you are on.
<br>
<br>You're just connected, wherever you are.
<br>
<br>That's our future.</div></div><div style="color: rgb(238, 238, 238); font-size: 0px;"><br></div><div><div style="color: rgb(238, 238, 238); font-size: 0px;">Start by asking and answering the right questions.
<br>
<br>WHY help Canadians gain better access to the Internet?
<br>
<br>What are the present and future benefits to community, society, economy and environment?
<br>
<br>If we tallied up all the projected benefits of universal digital
literacy and access, we would find that the related costs are
practically marginal.
<br>
<br>This is why a growing number of countries are committing to universal literacy and access, with very agressive timelines.
<br>
<br>They want to eat everyone's digital lunch, and at the rate we're going in Canada, they are going to get most of ours.
<br>
<br>
<br>Once the projected benefits are tallied up, we need to ask what
education and infrastructure solutions will best enable us to realize
the benefits.
<br>
<br>Then and only then will it be appropriate to engage the question of HOW to implement solutions.
<br>
<br>There is no point engaging the telecom or cable industries until we
have determined exactly what we need to do, and how we need to do it.
<br>
<br>Then it's a matter of telling industry where they fit in... not them telling us.
<br>
<br>
<br>The community of Olds, Alberta went through this process, and is now
building and operating its own optical fibre network (<a href="http://www.o-net.ca">www.o-net.ca</a>).
<br>
<br>When Olds told industry (Telus and Shaw) what it needed and asked
for their help, they weren't interested (putting it politely).
<br>
<br>Olds is therefore doing it themselves, because it's what they need.
<br>
<br>Period.
<br>
<br>
<br>Perhaps the biggest mistake we are making in Canada today is
allowing our telecom and cable industries to dictate our nation's
digital development agenda.
<br>
<br>It is far, FAR too valuable and important to leave in the hands of narrow private interests.
<br>
<br>DID YOU HEAR THAT, LOCAL AND SENIOR GOVERNMENTS ACROSS CANADA?
<br>
<br>
<br>Some communities are already leading the way through regional collaboration, especially in Ontario.
<br>
<br>Look at the projects in northern Ontario (K-Net), eastern Ontario (EORN) and now western Ontario (SWIFT).
<br>
<br>We have a great deal of work to do in catching up with the U.S.:
<br>
<br><a href="http://www.muninetworks.org">www.muninetworks.org</a>
<br><a href="http://www.ftthcouncil.org">www.ftthcouncil.org</a>
<br><a href="http://www.bbcmag.com">www.bbcmag.com</a>
<br><a href="http://www.ilsr.org">www.ilsr.org</a>
<br>
<br>You've asked how we can help Canadians gain better access to the Internet.
<br>
<br>I've laid out a process for answering this question in the most meaningful way.
<br>
<br>The highest and most immediate priority is to foster and support digital *leadership* at the community level.
<br>
<br>This is how we will achieve universal literacy and access most
efficiently in Canada, and no agency is better positioned for the role
than the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
<br>
<br>The next President of FCM will be Mayor Brad Woodside of
Fredericton, one of Canada's most knowledgeable, experienced and
passionate champions of community broadband.
<br>
<br>"We don't charge you to walk on our sidewalks. Why would we charge you for broadband [access]?"
<br>
<br>Imagine free wireless Internet access from coast to coast, without
ever changing networks or thinking about which network you are on.
<br>
<br>You're just connected, wherever you are.
<br>
<br>That's our future</div></div><div><div><div>On Nov 25, 2013, at 10:05 PM, <a href="mailto:estackho@nsngp.library.ns.ca">estackho@nsngp.library.ns.ca</a> wrote:</div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"><blockquote type="cite">Hello everyone,<br>From the Globe and Mail today.<br><br><a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/giving/have-your-say-how-can-we-help-canadians-gain-better-access-to-the-internet/article15585113/">http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/giving/have-your-say-how-can-we-help-canadians-gain-better-access-to-the-internet/article15585113/</a><br><br>Eric<br><br>_______________________________________________<br>Advisors mailing list<br>Advisors@tc.ca<br>http://victoria.tc.ca/mailman/listinfo/advisors<br></blockquote></div><br></div></body></html>