Date: Fri, 24 Sep 2004 17:33:26 -0700
To:  premier@gov.bc.ca
Subject: Internet in the heartland.

Good morning.

I'm a resident of Wynndel, just north of Creston. I read with interest a 
few months ago the announcment about the govt. working with Telus and 
CMON to bring hi-speed internet to communities like ours.

Now, I wasn't expecting anything real fast ... but I was expecting more 
that nothing as well. I'm beginning to think that the announcment was 
just some smoke?

Anyway, I represent people in our community who would like to start a 
committee or whatever to get started on the process. I've talked to 
Telus and they say they know nothing about it. Really. And CMON? Well, 
they don't answer my email to them and if I talk to our local RDCK 
directors about CMON they laugh, tell me I'm paying for it, but that 
they don't do anything.

Well, to say the least, I'm confused about all this. Telus doesn't know 
anything about the Premiers announcment; CMON "does nothing" (and this 
isn't me speaking here!); RDCK smile ... in the meantime people are NOT 
moving here 'cause they can't get hi-speed for their home business, etc.

So, what do you suggest I do?

Thanks so much!

=================================

From: "Office of the Premier PREM:EX" 
To: "'Bob van der Poel'" 
Cc: "Murray, Joyce C MSER:EX" 
Subject: RE: Internet in the heartland.
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 2004 12:26:56 -0700

Thank you for your email.

Our government made a New Era commitment to bring high-speed
telecommunications to under-serviced areas of the province.  Bridging the
Digital Divide with the provision of high-speed services will promote
economic and social development in these locations.  I have shared your
comments with the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Management Services,
and assure you that she will give your comments every consideration.

Again, thank you for writing.

Sincerely,

Gordon Campbell
Premier

=================================

Date: Wed, 29 Sep 2004 17:44:54 -0700
To: Office of the Premier PREM:EX 
Subject: Re: Internet in the heartland.


Dear Nice Person Working in the Premier's Office:

Thanks for the reply. But, did you bother to read the request or did you 
  just send out a standard reply based on the subject line? I'm not 
trying to be a pain, but I really would like an answer to my original 
question, which to make it simple is:

  - who would I talk to for starting a broadband inititive in my community?


Really, I think I understand that the govt. had made a committment to 
bring high-speed telcom to under-serviced areas (which would include the 
area I live in). And I agree that there are economic/social issues 
involved (which I allude to in my original mail). So, I think we agree 
.. but I'd like to get something going ... !!!

Thanks.