Welcome to the B.C. Wireless

B.C. Wireless is a non-profit organization dedicated to the research and establishment of community wireless networks in British Columbia, Canada.  Started in 2000, B.C. Wireless promotes the creation of independent and community owned, freely accessible communications infrastructure with a specific focus on the use of Wireless technology.

News

• Victoria BC
  February 26, 2013

  The BC Wireless Observatory has logged over 360K networks!  BC Wireless affectionados and members have been travelling all over North America and logging their visits using the BC Wireless app for Android.

  Our most recent Observatory update includes scans from our very own Capital Regional District, specifically the Saanich Peninsula

  

   

• Still growing...
  May 14, 2012

  The Wireless Observatory has reached 175K access points, with almost 20K open.  More networks are out there waiting to be discovered.  Download the Android app from here.

• Wireless Observatory hits 135K networks
  April 8, 2012

  The British Columbia Wireless Network Observatory has hit 135K WiFi networks!  Only a small part of the 2.4GHz WiFi spectrum has been mapped!  Download the BC Wireless Android app and help us map British Columbia.

  We are working on mapping for Other People’s Network within the Observatory too!.  Why?  Because how Canada’s spectrum is used is interesting!  Help us map BC’s Wireless infrastructures by observing wireless infrastructures we rely on every day.  We’ve already started mapping TELUS, Shaw and BC Hydro’s systems.  Want to help?  Upload to the BC Wireless gallery using your GPS enabled smartphone or camera.  Ping us in our IRC channel or Email [email protected] to find out more on how to help.

• CRTC seeks views on the state of competition in the Canadian wireless sector
  April 4, 2012

  The Winnipeg Free Press writes:

  Canada’s broadcast regulator said Wednesday its wants feedback on whether the wireless industry needs national standards to ensure that cellphone and mobile device customers are protected.

  “Our practice has been to rely on market forces as long as we are convinced that the interests of consumers will be looked after,” said Leonard Katz, the CRTC’s acting chairman.

  “In this case, we are seeking evidence that our intervention is necessary before considering the development of a national wireless code,” Katz said in a news release.

  The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission said it recently received several applications suggesting that a national code be established, including support from wireless provider Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX:RCI.B).

  The CRTC announcement (http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/com100/2012/r120404.htm):

  OTTAWA-GATINEAU, April 4, 2012 — Today, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced that it is seeking views on whether the wireless market has changed enough to warrant its intervention in the development of a national code for wireless services. The CRTC recently received several applications suggesting that one be established.

  In 1994, the CRTC decided it would not regulate the wireless sector. It was convinced that there was enough competition in the marketplace to guide the industry’s growth and provide Canadian consumers with a choice of innovative services.

  “Our practice has been to rely on market forces as long as we are convinced that the interests of consumers will be looked after,” said Leonard Katz, the CRTC’s Acting Chairman. “In this case, we are seeking evidence that our intervention is necessary before considering the development of a national wireless code.”

  Those who wish to participate in the CRTC’s proceeding are invited to submit their comments by May 3, 2012. Comments may be submitted by completing the online form, by writing to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0N2, or by fax at 819-994-0218.

  Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2012-206

   

• Public forum on Internet surveillance and your privacy - C-30 - March 21 2012
  March 18, 2012

  http://www.povnet.org/node/4878

  There’s Still Time to STOP Bill C-30: A public forum on internet surveillance and your privacy.

  Posted on: March 15, 2012 – 4:34am

  Date:

  Mar 21 2012 – 7:00pm

  What:

  The Vancouver Community Network would like invite you to a free event at which VCN President, Jim Sayre, will be speaking next week. Please join us to learn how Bill C-30 is a violation of our privacy and measures we can all take to stop it in its tracks!

  Moderated by Libby Davies, with special guests:

  * Jasbir Sandhu (NDP Public Safety Critic)
  * Lindsey Pinto (Open Media)
  * Jim Sayre (Vancouver Community Network)
  * Michael Vonn (BC Civil Liberties Association)

  Find out how the Conservatives’ Bill C-30 violates our privacy and what YOU can do to STOP IT.

  Location

  W2 @ The Woodwards Building

  111 Hasting Street West

  Vancouver, BC

  Canada

  Map