Since 2009, the Manitoba First Nations Technology Council has worked on building the Manitoba First Nations Network of the Future Initiative to bring high speed internet to all Manitoba First Nation communities.
The work at Clear Sky Connections has evolved to create a for profit arm, Clear Sky Communications Inc., in partnership with RFNOW. This partnership has been able to open doors for Manitoba’s First Nations to fully realize the dream of owning and operating a high-speed fibre optic network.
In 2015, the Federal Government announced a $300M fund for broadband connectivity, the program Connect to Innovate, opened up the Call for Proposals in December 2016 and closed April 2017. In partnership with RFNOW, Clear Sky Connections submitted an application for the funding and the application was approved.
This funding will now support the completion of a fiber optic network of over 3500 kms for Manitoba First Nations and surrounding communities.
With the strategic partnerships currently planned, greater value will be achieved for ensuring affordable, accessible and adequate connectivity.
Our Mission is to facilitate and support the deployment of affordable, reliable high-speed internet in all Manitoba First Nations communities where high-speed internet is not available or otherwise being deployed.
To facilitate and support the training and employment of First Nations Community residents in the deployment, operation, and maintenance of high-speed internet.
We will provide the bandwidth necessary for extensive use of the Internet telephony or other voice applications, downloading and uploading of large amounts of data, and high-speed electronic data transfers.
In unity with Manitoba First Nations, we are proud to partner with Canada, Manitoba, Nanaandawewigamig - First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba (FNHSSM) and RFNOW Inc. to make the vision of building a network in our communities a reality.