The Matawa Chiefs Council has raised concerns about the potential impact of Rogers’s planned shutdown of its 3G network on remote First Nations communities in northern Ontario, warning that it could endanger lives. The council has urgently requested the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to postpone the shutdown scheduled for December 31.
The council emphasized in a letter to the CRTC that the discontinuation of 3G services could have severe repercussions on the safety, health, and overall well-being of the remote communities in the Matawa region. These communities already struggle with limited access to cellular and broadband services. Chief Sonny Gagnon of Aroland First Nation stressed the critical importance of reliable communication infrastructure in their communities, highlighting the need for immediate upgrades to ensure compatibility with current standards.
As part of a broader trend in Canada, telecom providers are phasing out 3G networks to make way for faster 4G and 5G networks that offer improved call quality, internet speeds, and support for new technologies. The Matawa Chiefs Council emphasized that the issue goes beyond resource development and touches on fundamental aspects of their territories, people, and way of life.
The council is urging the CRTC to extend Rogers’s 3G service until January 2027 and to provide immediate funding for Indigenous-led telecommunications upgrades through Rapid Lynx Broadband, a Matawa-owned company. They are seeking federal support to cover the costs of infrastructure, operations, and capital necessary to modernize networks in the northern regions, recognizing the unique challenges posed by remote geography and historical underinvestment.
Chief Solomon Atlookan of Eabametoong First Nation reiterated the essential role of reliable telecommunications in ensuring the health, safety, and sustainable development of their territories. The council is calling for collaborative efforts between the CRTC, telecom providers, and governments to support Indigenous-led solutions and prevent communities from being left behind in Canada’s technological advancements.
The potential shutdown of 3G services has also raised concerns about widening the digital divide, particularly in underserved areas. Non-profit organizations like Blue Sky are advocating for expanded broadband access and technology education in these regions. The limited coverage of LTE and 5G networks in northern Ontario underscores the dependence on 3G services, highlighting the need for significant investments in Indigenous-owned infrastructure to address connectivity gaps.
Susan Church, executive director of Blue Sky, emphasized the social responsibility of large telecom companies and governments to collaborate with smaller service providers and Indigenous communities to bridge the digital divide and ensure essential communication services are not disrupted.
