Contents

  1. Capacity Development
    1. First Nations Technology Council (FNTC)
    2. British Columbia Community Connectivity Co-Operative (BC3)
    3. Network BC
    4. Industry Canada
    5. TechSoup
  2. Other Community and Free Networks
    1. Ile Sans Fil
    2. Seattle Wireless

Capacity Development

First Nations Technology Council (FNTC)

FNTC helps First Nations throughout B.C. with planning and implementing technology solutions in their respective communities. FNTC brings small communities together to share their successes and learn from their mistakes. FNTC provides resources that help communities understand the opportunities that technology can provide and how to access those technologies.

British Columbia Community Connectivity Co-Operative (BC3)

BC3's mission includes educating communities about broadband and how to plan for a community network. BC3 provides resources such as an informational Web site and referrals to help communities get the information they need. They host an annual conference for community networking organizations and provide a series of training workshops that are offered throughout the province.

Network BC

NetWork BC is the provincial government�s dedicated project team that deals with community networks. NetWork BC negotiated the Connecting Communities Agreement with TELUS to bring high speed access to 119 unserved communities in the province. NetWork BC keeps track of new network facilities being installed for school and government use and looks for opportunities to extend those networks for community use. They track and report on communities that do not have broadband, and encourage organizations and individuals in those communities to investigate community networks.

Industry Canada

Industry Canada has a number of resources to help small business foster new economic opportunties and aid First Nations, rural and northern communities to obtain broadband Internet access.

Websites:

TechSoup

Powered by CompuMentor, one of the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit technology assistance agencies, TechSoup.org offers nonprofits a one-stop resource for technology needs by providing free information, resources, and support. In addition to on line information and resources, we offer a product philanthropy service called TechSoup Stock. Here, nonprofits can access donated and discounted technology products, generously provided by corporate and nonprofit technology partners. We believe that technology can enhance nonprofit work, making us more efficient and better able to serve our communities. We never lose sight of that goal.

Other Community and Free Networks

Ile Sans Fil

Île Sans Fil is a non-profit community group devoted to providing free public wireless internet access to mobile users in public spaces throughout Montreal, Canada. We use open source software and inexpensive commercial WIFI equipment to share broadband internet connections.

Seattle Wireless

Seattle Wireless is a non-profit effort to develop a wireless broadband community network in Seattle. Our use of inexpensive wireless technology is growing from the grass roots of our community, based upon a wonderful combination of self-interest and community spirit.

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