Why It's Important
History
Examples
Hesquiaht First Nation: Located in the remote community of Hot Springs Cove on Vancouver Island, the Hesquiaht First Nation has been actively building its own fibre-to-the-home networkovercome geographic isolation
GwaiiTel Society: A community-owned, non-profit ISP serving the communities of Haida Gwaii for over 15 years. GwaiiTel is a long-standing success story in B.C., demonstrating a sustainable First Mile
Lytton First Nation: As part of the rebuilding efforts following the devastating 2021 wildfire, the Lytton First Nation is developing a community-owned fibre network. This initiative places digital sovereignty and resilient infrastructure at the heart of their strategy for recovery and future economic development.
Software and Tools
TowerCoverage: A web-based tool used for designing and mapping wireless networks. It helps communities plan where to place towers and antennas for the best coverage, essential for the planning phase of a wireless First Mile
Ubiquiti Network Management Systems: Ubiquiti offers a range of affordable networking equipment popular for community networks. Their free software allows local network operators to monitor network health, manage users, and troubleshoot issues from a central dashboard.
PRTG Network Monitor: A tool for monitoring network traffic and performance. A free version is available for small networks, enabling local technicians to identify and fix problems before they impact the entire community.
Splynx: An ISP billing and management platform. For Nations that decide to operate as an Internet Service Provider
AI Considerations
Artificial Intelligence canFirst Mile. For every AI project tied to First Mile and Community-Led Networks, create a simple governance log that tracks data sources, permissions, model choices, and human review before results are shared. This ensures the community stays in control of outcomes and avoids unintended harm. Pair every AI project connected to First Mile and Community-Led Networks with a governance checklist: confirm permissions for data, record how models were tested, and schedule a human review before publishing results so accountability stays with the community. Pair every AI project connected to First Mile and Community-Led Networks with a governance checklist: confirm permissions for data, record how models were tested, and schedule a human review before publishing results so accountability stays with the community. Pair every AI project connected to First Mile and Community-Led Networks with a governance checklist: confirm permissions for data, record how models were tested, and schedule a human review before publishing results so accountability stays with the community. Pair every AI project connected to First Mile and Community-Led Networks with a governance checklist: confirm permissions for data, record how models were tested, and schedule a human review before publishing results so accountability stays with the community. Pair every AI project connected to First Mile and Community-Led Networks with a governance checklist: confirm permissions for data, record how models were tested, and schedule a human review before publishing results so accountability stays with the community.
FAQ
How does owning the network support data sovereignty?
What are the first steps our Nation should take?
Do we have to connect to a fibre line like the Connected Coast?
Pro Tips
Familiarise yourself with First Mile approaches where communities own and operate their broadband infrastructure. Learn from case studies and technical partners about funding, maintenance, and governance structures. Understanding these models equips you to participate in or lead initiatives that give your community greater connectivity and control.
Checklist
External Resources
First Mile Connectivity Consortium: The essential starting point, offering research, policy advocacy, a community of practice, and resources for First Nations building their own networks.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) – Universal Broadband Fund: The main federal funding portal for connectivity projects, including those led by Indigenous communities.
Network BC – Indigenous Communities: The B.C. government's hub for information on connectivity initiatives
First Nations Technology Council: A B.C.-based, Indigenous-led organization essential