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Connectivity infrastructure

Last updated on April 29, 2024

image of a telecommunications tower with multiple devices connected to it

With regards to broadband technologies, there is no standard solution. The best technology and service options to extend connectivity may vary depending on the community.

This section presents the technologies used to deliver internet in British Columbia. It gives you the background information you need. It will help you feel confident when dealing with service providers and technical experts.

Topics covered on this page:

Connectivity infrastructure

The internet, as we understand it today, is a global computer network that allows us to communicate and to access and share data. The internet is easy to use and navigate. But, few people can appreciate how digital signals from the world reach them in their homes and businesses.

Your community must consider two important connections. They are part of an overall broadband solution:

  • How is the community connected to the internet? First, your community must have a connection to the broader internet infrastructure, and specifically an interconnection with an Internet Exchange (IX). This backbone connection provides the link between the community and the rest of the world. In British Columbia, there is one Internet Exchange (IX) in Vancouver. Some communities or service providers may find it more practical to make an interconnection in Calgary or Edmonton.
  • How are households and businesses connected within a community? Your community will also need to link individual households and businesses with the backbone infrastructure that connects to the broader internet. This second type of connection is known as the last mile. It is important to note that the point at which these two connections meet is normally known as a Point of Presence (PoP).

Broadband technology

Communities need to choose how to connect to an Internet Exchange. Then they need to pick the type of technology to deliver internet to homes and businesses.

Different technologies provide different levels of service to the consumer, with various types of costs to deploy and operate, and are suitable for various environments. The types of technologies used to deliver internet services in British Columbia can be separated into two categories, wired and wireless:

Aerial fibre is deployed on poles. It costs less to deploy but can be a problem for areas with extreme weather. This is because it is vulnerable to the elements. Buried fiber is often more expensive to install. But, its underground position protects it from most weather.

Rural areas should also consider copper tech (e.g. coaxial cable and digital subscriber line (DSL)) and the various wireless options (e.g. fixed, mobile, and satellite). These options may not be suitable for your community. The choice depends on cost, performance, and location. It also depends on what infrastructure is already there. For example, some wireless technologies need line-of-sight locations.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology

Satellites have long provided connectivity. What's new is LEO satellites bringing broadband internet. LEO satellites orbit closer to the earth than traditional communications satellites. This closeness makes the internet faster and more reliable and limits service delays.

This technology is not a fix-all for connectivity. But, LEO satellite tech is a new solution for remote communities. They are places where a terrestrial build may not work.

What is meant by internet speed?

Internet speed is the speed of data, such as files, websites, pictures, music, and movies. Internet speed is how fast they travel to and from your home computer, tablet, or smartphone. The speed of this data is measured in megabits per second (Mbps).

Digital services need speed. Connectivity is often measured by two speeds:

  • Download speed is how fast information comes to you from the internet.
  • Upload speed is how fast information travels from you to the internet.

In 2016, the CRTC established a universal, or ‘basic’, service standard. The new target for internet speeds aims to give all Canadian homes and businesses access to broadband. It sets a minimum of 50 Mbps for downloads and 10 Mbps for uploads for fixed broadband with unlimited data.

The previous 5/1 Mbps target could be met with existing TV cables and phone lines. But, the new 50/10 Mbps goal needs new wired, wireless, or satellite infrastructure.

Passive infrastructure

Passive infrastructure is a commonly used term by the telecommunications industry. It refers to existing civil infrastructure that can be used to attach cables and wireless antennas as part of a network deployment. This includes roadways, utility poles, streetlights, underground conduits.

Under the Telecommunications Act, carriers have a right to access passive infrastructure on municipal rights-of-way (ROW) and "other public spaces" to deploy their network. At the same time, the Act states that carriers can only access ROW and other public places with the consent of the municipality. Municipalities cannot deny access to carriers, but they can dictate reasonable terms of access to their ROW through the conditions of their consent.

Municipalities can use a Municipal Access Agreement​ (MAA) to establish the terms and conditions under which carriers can construct, maintain, and operate their infrastructure on municipal property. MMAs serve to protect local taxpayers by ensuring direct and indirect costs are not transferred to the municipality (e.g. pavement degradation, liabilities, etc.).

Next steps

Contact information

Please email us for more information.
connectedcommunities@gov.bc.ca