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Sent on behalf of the

Saskatchewan Broadband

Action Committee (SBAC)

A Proposed Broadband Development &Investment Framework

For Immediate Release October 18, 2023

Saskatchewan’s Digital Divide Worsens as Access to Broadband Connectivity is Not Equal for All Canadians

In response to Saskatchewan’s ‘digital divide’, the Saskatchewan Broadband Action Committee (SBAC) is calling on the Provincial Government to formally adopt the included Broadband Development & Investment Framework. Co-Chair of the Committee, Jay Meyer, noted that “it is our hope that the Province will embrace this Strategy and invite the Committee to work directly with the appropriate Ministries and Government Officials on ‘how’ to move forward collectively”.

Adoption and endorsement of the Committee’s Broadband Framework would help to put in place the following necessary and key building blocks for change:

1. Establishment of a Broadband Coordination & Planning community-based Office;
2. Creation of a $3.0M to $4.0M Regional Community Capacity Grant; and,
3. Commitment to a $50M Market Incentive Co-Funding Infrastructure Grant.

The Saskatchewan Broadband Action Committee

The Saskatchewan Broadband Action Committee (SBAC) is a cross-sector and community-based group of provincial, local, and Indigenous organizations, networks, and service providers. The committee was established in February 2021 in response to the exacerbated broadband issues experienced across the province due to COVID-19.

Formed through a shared and collective concern over the issues and lost opportunities for all citizens related to broadband connectivity across the province, we’re committed to achieving broadband infrastructure parity by 2025, and exceed the CRTC standard by 2030, for all Saskatchewan residents, regardless of location.

Our key focus is to assist with addressing long-standing issues affecting broadband connectivity; and advise and direct actions leading to a shared strategy, investment, and vision.

The Committee has identified four key building blocks that will help guide achievement of the above noted vision statement.

For interview requests please contact:

Corette Mihalcea

SARM Communications Specialist

communications@sarm.ca

306.761.3931

Tanisha Khan

SUMA Communications Advisor

communications@suma.org

306.525.4396