Winter, JenniferKoch, KatharinaRevnic, Bogdan2025-01-302025-01-302024-05-29Revnic, B. (2024). The Digital Divide: Federal Broadband Strategy and Implications for Indigenous Communities in Rural Canada (Unpublished master's project). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.https://hdl.handle.net/1880/120678This study examines the effectiveness of federal policies in bridging the digital divide by analyzing the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) policies, particularly Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2016-496, which aims to ensure universal broadband access and high-speed 50/10 Mbps service. The literature review reveals that inadequate broadband and infrastructure exacerbate the digital divide, posing a significant barrier to equitable Internet access, especially in remote Indigenous communities. This research identifies gaps and improvement opportunities and assesses the socio-economic implications of limited Internet access across rural Indigenous communities, including the effects of disparities in digital skills. By reviewing the funding allocation and impact of the CRTC Broadband Fund from 2020 to 2024, this research analyzes public comments and responses to Telecom Notices of Consultation, CRTC 2023-89 and 89-1, from March 2023 to July 2024. The findings show that while infrastructure deployment has advanced in Canada, significant service delivery gaps remain for Indigenous communities. The study identifies digital equity as a step towards Indigenous reconciliation and advocates for community-driven approaches and flexible regulatory frameworks. Addressing equity gaps is crucial for ensuring that Indigenous Peoples, particularly in remote areas, can fully participate in the digital economy and access government e-services like education, healthcare, and emergency response.enUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Digital divideCRTCremote Indigenous communitiesreconciliationrural CanadaUniversal Broadband ObjectiveReport