Conclusion: Building Long-term Sustainability

Achieving universal high-speed internet access for all Canadians will take many different strategies and technologies.

It is not an easy job, but it is possible and the benefits will be significant, particularly as we begin to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and focus on Canada’s economic recovery.

To further the goal of universal access, the Rural Connectivity Task Force has focused on improving public understanding of the barriers to good rural connectivity, identifying policy solutions that address key technical and regulatory issues, and creating a plan to advocate for changes at the federal and provincial level.

At the end of its research phase, the Task Force has identified several key areas that require strategic policy changes, including:

• Supporting fair partnerships between key industry players.
• Simplifying Canada’s regulatory structure for greater accountability, transparency, and efficiency.
• Supporting competition within the industry to ensure smaller service providers can survive and thrive.
• Optimizing public resources, including government funding and spectrum.
• Ensuring that Canada takes a leadership role to build long-term sustainability within our telecommunications industry and infrastructure.
• Leveraging Saskatchewan’s Crown Corporations to ensure that they play a leadership role in achieving universal connectivity and realising the social and economic benefits that come with it.
• Ensuring consumers are protected by guaranteeing high-quality, affordable internet service.

Both Saskatchewan and Canada have a unique opportunity to invest in the growth of their economies and communities by taking a leadership role in bringing fast, reliable, and affordable high-speed internet access to everyone. These investments have significant potential to positively impact the work, education, health and safety, and overall quality of life for every Canadian, regardless of where they live.