What's up with the internet?

<p>This captivating new podcast series examines the good, the bad and the ugly characteristics that make up one of the world's most important resources—the internet. In its first season, CIRA will tackle the state of Canadian broadband by exploring pressing internet topics including affordability, online accessibility, safety and more across six episodes. <br><br>All episodes are hosted by Takara Small and produced by Kevin McAnena.</p>

Prospects for progress

For the final episode we’ll take a look at what we’ve learned throughout the series and ask, what is needed to make things better? And what are the chances of that happening? Looking back to the issues outlined through the previous five episodes our guests return to offer some solutions.Canadian Minister Gudie Hutchings joins the conversation.

10-12
51:21

Online safety

Having access to the internet doesn’t matter if you don’t feel safe using it. Online threats from trolls, viruses, hackers, or even that general sense of anxiety that comes from doom-scrolling are now the norm. There’s a long list of reasons that can make the internet a dangerous or unhealthy space. That can make users fearful of exploring the internet and taking advantage of all the ways it can benefit them. This segment will look at how Canadians of all ages can keep themselves safe and pro...

10-05
53:27

Internet literacy

Being able to simply get online isn’t enough in our digitally-connected world. Many Canadians who aren’t netizens lack the basic skills to access vital online services and resources. If you’ve got a laptop and high-speed broadband in front of you but you don’t know how to use it, that is the same level of disconnection as no internet at all. Paula Canas from Tech Manitoba joins us to discuss how classes teaching basic internet skills can be life changing, while author and tech commentator Par...

09-28
38:18

Competition

In Canada, the lack of competition among internet providers plays a major role in exacerbating the digital inequity (and the expensive mobile data plans) that Canadians have come to accept. This episode explores what this means for the average Canadian, with a dive into the regulations involved. Featuring guest interviews from tech critic Paris Marx (the Tech Won’t Save Us podcast) and internet activist Bryson Masse.

09-21
35:56

Affordability and the class divide

Canada is home to some of the most expensive internet plans in the world. With rising costs of living, what happens to those left behind? Hear perspectives from Joel Templeman (Internet Society Manitoba Chapter) and Ray Noyes (ACORN Canada).

09-14
39:42

The urban/rural divide

What’s up with the digital divide? Host Takara Small interviews Canadians that don’t have reliable broadband and offers a glimpse on the impact it has on their lives. We also explore the barriers to getting everyone connected. Guests include Patrika McEvoy (Old Masset Village), Mark Buell (Connect Humanity) and Colleen McCormick (Coastal First Nations).

09-07
38:05

Recommend Channels