Rollback of Rural Broadband Availability Being Considered – Rural People Should Speak Up!

Sep 24, 2018

The Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) and Eastern Wardens' Caucus recently made submissions to the federal government’s department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada as they consulted on a proposal to reassign and auction off part of the broadband spectrum that is now reserved for rural Internet Service Providers (ISPs), such as Xplornet. Their input raised serious concerns about the impact of the proposed approach on rural broadband users.

Not only might the approach prevent expansion of 5G service into rural areas that don’t have it now, but it may claw back the availability of high speed for some advanced ISPs and their customers. This should be a major concern for those who have been advocating improvements in rural broadband or working hard to build up this crucial telecommunications infrastructure. We believe it is important for rural citizens to inform themselves and if they have concerns about the proposal to express these to the Minister responsible as well as their local MP.

The EORN and Eastern Warden’s Caucus submissions are informative and can be found here (scroll down to Organizations): Consultation on Revisions to the 3500 MHz Band to Accomodate Flexible Use and Preliminary Consultation on Changes to the 3800 MHz Band https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf11431.html

A short article in the Brockville Recorder summarizes the concern and can be read here: https://www.recorder.ca/news/local-news/rural-internet-at-risk

Source : Rural Ontario Institute

Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.