How were “communities” identified for the purpose of bridging the digital divide?
The definition of what constitutes a community – a place with a public school, library or healthcare facility – was determined by the Premier’s Technology Council (PTC). When the PTC first recommended to government that the province bridge the digital divide in B.C., it was clear that a definition was required to establish some parameters from which to begin. These criteria resulted in a list of 366 communities, 151 of which did not have access to connectivity when the project began. Identifying schools as part of the primary definition of community means that all provincial settlements will be within relatively easy traveling distance of a community with broadband. Internet access is also available through provincial libraries and other public access sites.
