Building Wi-Fi Networks for Communities: Three Canadian Example

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Building Wi-Fi Networks for Communities: Three
Canadian Cases
Article
in
Canadian Journal of Communication · January 2008
DOI: 10.22230/cjc.2008v33n3a2110
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Catherine Middleton
Ryerson University
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Barbara Crow
York University
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Building Wi-Fi Networks for Communities: 
Three Canadian Cases
Catherine Middleton
Ryerson University
Barbara Crow
York University
Abstract
: This paper explores three Canadian wireless network projects that
demonstrate that Wi-Fi technologies, like landline telephones, radio, and hydro,
can be used to bring services to local communities. It is our position that despite
the strengths and weaknesses of Fredericton’s eZone, Montréal’s Île Sans Fil,
and the Lac Seul network in Northern Ontario, these three highlighted Wi-Fi net-
works demonstrate that a public information utilities model is still a useful lens
through which to understand the development and implementation of telecom-
munications in Canada. Through our case studies, we have observed that in
order for municipally based and community Wi-Fi networks to successfully take
root in a community, it is advantageous to build on existing technological infra-
structure. Moreover, municipal and community needs must be considered in the
project. Finally, a cohort of interested advocates from the region is needed.
Keywords
: Wi-Fi Networks, Wireless Technologies, Community Wireless,
Municipalities, K-Net, Fredericton eZone, and Île Sans Fil
Résumé 
: Cet article explore trois projets canadiens de réseau sans fil qui démon-
trent qu’on peut utiliser les technologies Wi-Fi à la manière du téléphone tradi-
tionnel, de la radio ou du système hydraulique pour servir les communautés.
Selon nous, les réseaux Wi-Fi eZone de Frédéricton, Île sans fil de Montréal et
Lac Seul du nord de l’Ontario, quels que soient leurs qualités et défauts, démon-
trent que le modèle d’un service d’information au public demeure utile pour
comprendre le développement et l’établissement des télécommunications au
Canada. Au moyen de nos études de cas, nous avons remarqué qu’il est avan-
tageux de se fonder sur l’infrastructure technologique existante pour établir avec
succès des réseaux Wi-Fi municipaux et communautaires. Par surcroît, il faut
tenir compte des besoins municipaux et communautaires dans un projet. En
outre, il est nécessaire d’avoir une cohorte de défenseurs provenant de la région
impliquée.
Catherine Middleton holds a Canada Research Chair at the Ted Rogers School of Management at
Ryerson University. Email: [e-mail]. Barbara Crow is the Director of the
Graduate Program in Communication and Culture at York University. Email: [e-mail].