Broadband Access Policy Forum

Broadband Access Policy Forum, PDF Version, 6 KB
Access Forum Agenda, PDF Version, 15 KB

September 9, 2005
Westmark Klondike Inn, Whitehorse, Yukon

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In April 2005 the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of Industry Canada, established a Telecommunications Panel to "conduct a review of Canada's telecommunications policy and regulatory framework, and provide recommendations to make it a model of 21st Century regulation." As individuals appointed to the panel, we have been asked to study and report on three areas of telecommunications policy that must continue to evolve to keep pace with rapid changes in technology: (1) the regulatory framework, (2) access to high-speed Internet, and (3) adoption of information and communications technology. A full outline of the Panel's mandate and terms of reference is available at www.telecomreview.ca.

Since a major area of the panel's focus relates to the issue of providing broadband access to Canadian communities, we are organizing a Forum on Access beginning in Whitehorse September 9, and continuing online until September 16. This event will provide the opportunity for input that will help shape the policies of the Federal Government concerning access to high speed Internet in unserved and underserved communities in Canada.

The Panel has invited well-informed speakers to address various issues surrounding high-speed access and related matters at the Forum. A draft of the agenda for the Forum is attached.

The Panel is encouraging interested parties to participate in the Forum. Because the Forum venue will accommodate a very limited number of people, the Panel has made arrangements to offer the event live over the Internet and is inviting you to participate via the web cast.

Online participants will be able to hear the presentations via the live audio web cast. At the same time they will see the visual slides as they are presented by the speakers. There will be a half-hour question period following each of the presentations, during which online participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of the speakers. As well, after the live web cast has concluded, an online forum discussion will continue for seven days to provide the opportunity for additional comments. We intend to post the presenters' slides at www. telecomreview.ca/yukon before the forum to allow questions to be prepared in advance.

To access the web cast, post-forum online discussions and the archive, register at: www.telecomreview.ca/yukon.

To apply to attend in person email the Panel's Executive Director at telecomreview@ic.gc.ca. Include your name, e-mail address, any relevant organizational affiliations and a brief description of your interest in attending by August 31, 2005. Please include the words "Request to attend TPRP Yukon Access Forum" in the Subject line of your e-mail. The Panel's Secretariat will respond by September 2 regarding available space.

The panel encourages everyone to participate in this event September 9-16, as they wish to benefit from diverse views and experience.

Please feel free to forward this announcement to anyone who would find it of interest.