Government should be careful in using cellphone data to track COVID-19, advocates say
Privacy experts and the Conservatives are warning the federal government that if it follows the lead of other countries and begins using cellphone location data to track the spread of COVID-19, it should do so under strict limits and safeguards for Canadians’ privacy. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) said on March 24 the federal […]
Canada needs to own critical IP and data assets to inspire generational economic prosperity
Artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G are infrastructure layers for future technologies: 5G enables collection and use of data while AI unlocks the ability to extract value from that data. For Canada’s economic prosperity, we need strategic stewardship of Canada’s investment in these technologies. And that stewardship starts with Canadian firms owning the innovation assets—intellectual property […]
Speeding up on the information highway: Canada’s drive towards 5G is not designed for its citizens
At this historic moment, we are all seeking some comfort and normality. Over the years, we got used to video-conferencing with family, friends, and colleagues, streaming our favourite series and video games, taking part in online fitness classes, ordering groceries, and asking for health counselling online. In times of COVID-19, however, we have come to […]
The undeniable AI-5G convergence
Current COVID-19-related events and responses demonstrate the interconnectedness of our world. A virus that began in China has spread to more than 100 countries in a matter of weeks. From a technology point of view, connectivity is global and omnipresent—and 5G will take connectivity to a level that has never been seen before in human […]
The 5G opportunities are there, but is Canada ready to take advantage of them?
The introduction of 5G presents all Canadians with great opportunity, but Canada may not yet be in a position to capitalize on it. This is a situation that we must rectify. The technology of 5G will have an incredible impact on the future of economic productivity. It is transformational in that it enables lower latency […]
The CRTC, wireless prices and MVNOs: an explainer
OTTAWA—In a week’s time, a panel of CRTC commissioners will meet in a windowless room in Gatineau, Que., to hear from the country’s biggest telecom companies, small and aspiring players, and advocates about how to improve Canada’s wireless market. The most contentious issue of the two-week hearing, and one that the various sides have been […]
Evidence shows Huawei should be allowed a role
TORONTO—If Canada is to take the next big step in the digital economy—moving to the world of ultra, high-speed communications—the Trudeau government must soon decide whether the Chinese telecommunications giant, Huawei, should be allowed to participate. The evidence says Huawei should be allowed a role. Canada has been reviewing its position for some time. In […]
Leave politics out of decision about Huawei’s 5G future in Canada
For some time, I have noticed that Huawei’s 5G has been a hot topic of discussion in Canadian media recently. There are different opinions across Canada about whether Huawei should be allowed to participate in Canada’s 5G network construction or not. In my opinion, 5G development, utilization, and co-operation should not be politicized. Huawei is […]
‘Small but mighty’: New Democrats say they’re up to the task as MPs pile on critic jobs
The NDP’s lead critics say they’re feeling good about their “small but mighty” caucus, which they say can bring change in a minority government and attention to their “critical work” by hammering home the party’s “widely popular” priorities. At the Nov. 28 critic announcement, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh (Burnaby South, B.C.) said he was proud […]
Parties take on phone bills, internet prices in election platforms
Unlike the 2015 race, affordable cell phone and internet bills—and better access in rural areas—are shaping up as key campaign planks so far this election, say consumer advocates, who are praising party pitches so far as a step forward but caution they’re short on details. There has been a “big shift” with these issues getting […]
