"The First Nations Summit Chiefs, upon creating the First Nations Technology Council in 2002, declared the internet a crucial element of life, as vital as clean water or community land." The Tyee's online news story: "Wiring BC's Native Villages," describes how the internet is changing life in First Nations communities.

A new wireless broadband network is installed in isolated communities in Nunavut. This network will give communities that have little access to services the ability to access online information and businesses. On top of that, the broadband system allows people from neighbouring communities to communicate orally and visually without being face-to-face. The installation of this network is an intiative supported and funded by the federal government. For more information read newswire's article on the project.

Download the study by EKOS Research Associates, Tracking the Dual Digital Divide (in PDF), tracks updates on general access levels to the internet, and who's still not online. It also discusses emerging social policies and who has control of the internet. The study concludes that the digital divide has not narrowed over the past three years.

The Premier’s Technology Council (PTC) released its First Quarterly Report (in PDF) - November 22, 2001. Among other things the PTC is examining ways to removing barriers that keep many British Columbians from accessing the educational, social, and cultural benefits delivered through broadband networks. One of the four task groups is looking at ACCESS & OPPORTUNITY – to identify the digital divide that exists in the province and suggest ways to bridge it; to provide the training and skills development necessary so those British Columbians who wish to participate can have an opportunity to do so.

The days of slow connections are a thing of the past for Dawson City. October saw highspeed access available to Dawson City residents in the form of cable and DSL.

The G8 - the Group of 8 of the world's most industrialized nations meet annually to discuss everything from international trade to the environment to relations with developing countries and beyond. They most recently met in Italy July 20-22, 2001. A report prepared for the G8 summit stating rich countries need to help bridge the "digital divide" of information and communications technology in the developing world, where many people don't even have access to a telephone. The G8 'digital divide' report is available online.