Ronald F. MacNeil
Director, Information Technology Innovation Centre
University College of Cape Breton

Winner of the 1999 National IWAY Award for Community Service sponsored by CANARIE and CATA.

Broadband is an essential, fundamental capability for economic survival in rural communities in the 21st century. The availability of this service will enhance the social, cultural and economic development throughout the county.

I have been assisting rural communities with connectivity issues for over 10 years including establishing Community Access Sites (CAP), developing and implementing of a Smart Communities strategy in our region and most recently in developing a business plan for submission to the Broadband for Rural Development program (BRAND).

Broadband deployment in rural communities provides an infrastructure necessary to enable communities to participate in the knowledge economy. This infrastructure will act as a catalyst to strengthen e-business sub-sectors in tourism, fishing, crafts and culture, on-line learning, and access to government.

Rural communities in Cape Breton are responding effectively to the broadband challenge. There is the extensive degree of community engagement and commitment that is a part of the BRAND business plan development. Consensus building on the strategic elements of BRAND includes residents, businesses and institutions declaring their commitment to subscribe to the service.

The challenge before us is to insure that broadband deployment becomes a tool for expanding all sectors of the Canadian economy rather than yet another differentiator between urban and rural development. The rural communities in Canada are ready, and their engagement will benefit all Canadians.