The Matawa Chiefs Council has expressed concerns over the potential repercussions of Rogers’s planned shutdown of its 3G network on remote First Nations communities in northern Ontario, emphasizing that lives could be endangered as a result.
In a recent communication to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the council urged for an immediate postponement of the Dec. 31 shutdown. The chiefs highlighted the severe implications the move could have on the safety, health, and overall well-being of the region’s remote communities, which already grapple with limited access to cellular and broadband services.
The Matawa region encompasses nine member First Nations, with some being remote fly-in communities situated in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire area, including Eabametoong, Marten Falls, Neskantaga, Nibinamik, and Webequie.
Chief Sonny Gagnon of Aroland First Nation stressed the critical importance of reliable communication infrastructure, stating that lack of such services could be life-threatening in their communities. The Matawa Chiefs Council is advocating for the extension of Rogers’s 3G service until January 2027 and is seeking immediate funding for Indigenous-led telecommunications upgrades through Rapid Lynx Broadband, a company owned by Matawa.
The council also emphasized that the significance of the issue goes beyond resource development, stating that it is about safeguarding their homelands, people, and way of life. Chief Solomon Atlookan of Eabametoong First Nation stressed the essential nature of reliable telecommunications for health, safety, and sustainable development in their territories.
In response to the concerns raised, the CRTC is reviewing the letter from the Matawa Chiefs Council to determine the next course of action. Rogers has been engaging with affected customers, offering migration options to their enhanced networks. Bell and Tbaytel are also taking steps to ensure uninterrupted service in remote communities.
Furthermore, a non-profit organization has warned that the shutdown of the 3G network could exacerbate the existing digital divide in the region. The lack of connectivity highlights the urgent need for expanding broadband access and investing in Indigenous-owned infrastructure to address the gaps in service coverage.
The situation underscores the social responsibility of large telecom companies and governments to collaborate with smaller service providers and Indigenous communities to prevent leaving individuals without essential communication services.