A Wired Yukon: It Makes You Think

Posted by John Streicker on 5 April 2010 | 0 Comments

In thinking about the future of communication in the Yukon, it is helpful to start by looking at the price of oil. We are heading towards $100 / barrel (again).

While we are more accessible here than our sister territories, and while the Alaska Highway is shorter than it used to be, we still are heavily dependent on energy here in the Yukon. Our economy is very vulnerable to the price of oil - especially for transportation.

One of the solutions to this problem is, where possible, to move ideas, rather than moving people or goods and the heavy chunks of metal it takes to transport this stuff up and down the highway.

The last time we held an Expo in Canada, nearly 25 years ago, the theme was communication and transportation. Even then, it was easy to see which one held more potential.

Since then we have seen the proliferation of cell phones, wireless laptops and the internet. And we have come pretty far with this infrastructure here in the territory.

As I write, I am on-line with high-speed in rural Yukon. Earlier today I had a live phone interview with a Victoria radio station on Arctic Sovereignty.

But where could we go? What should government invest in? Here are three simple suggestions.

First, reinforce our cultural identity so that we remain grounded as change accelerates. Second, support technology and processes that promote computer video conferencing. Reduce travel.

Last, recognize that simple, fast and reliable access to public internet will increase our productivity and economic activity. Imagine a Yukon where all communities have access to a wireless signal.

Nominal fees may be required for these public services, but we should consider them to be investments.

Thinking is a renewable resource. A wired Yukon builds a more competitive economy.