The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George is working together with the District of Mackenzie, Village of McBride and Village of Valemount to get a better understanding of how internet and cellular service within the region can be improved. The regional district has contracted with TANEx Engineering Corporation, a British Columbia engineering consulting firm specializing in technology and communications to assist in this work.
The first step in this process is to identify the current state of connectivity throughout the region. To help with this work, residents and business owners in the region are invited to participate in a survey to show what cellular and Internet services are being utilized, where the service gaps are and where people would like to see service improved.
Surveys are 100 per cent confidential and available online. Hard copies of the surveys are also available in the Mackenzie, McBride and Valemount municipal offices or by contacting the Regional District office at 1-800-667-1959.
Surveys for residents are available here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/rdffg-res
Survey for business operators are available here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/rdffg-bus
Additionally, people are invited to test the speed and quality of their Internet through this free, confidential link: performance.cira.ca/fraserfortgeorge
Following the surveys, further work will be undertaken to set connectivity goals for region, identify gaps and provide a strategy for closing the digital divide.