A Canadian educational initiative falls victim to technology: Industry Canada allows cellphone providers to abandon commitment to provide bandwidth for learning programs

Abstract

A consortium of Bell and Rogers, known as Inukshuk, is dropping out of its obligation to support education in Canada.

Historically, the 2500-2690 MHz wireless bandwidth, was designated for educational use in Canada and is especially useful for downloading data with cellular phones.

In 1999, a deal was struck permitting Inukshuk to use this band for commercial purposes, on the understanding and obligation that the company would create learning plans, which would fund e-learning-related activities across Canada.