CRC has identified six strategic priorities for future research. These six priorities will help CRC focus its R&D efforts on areas that are of strategic importance to telecommunications in Canada, will allow CRC to continue to support policy decisions being made in the future and help to address specific challenges faced by various clients.

Those six strategic priorities are:

Broadband Access

Broadband access activities are aimed at carrying out research that will help deliver cost-effective solutions for access to broadband services in rural and remote communities in Canada. In order to focus activities for this priority, CRC also established the Rural and Remote Broadband Access (RRBA) program in 2002.

Radio Spectrum

Industry Canada is mandated to regulate the radio spectrum and therefore, must have a solid technical base to make proper decisions and policies. Research in this area contributes to advice on spectrum policy and regulation development, reallocation and/or new or more efficient use of allocated spectrum, and utilization of new frequency bands.

Defence Communications

National Defence (DND) is one of CRC’s major clients and research tasks are done on a cost recovery basis. Most of the activities are closely tied to CRC’s expertise and to DND’s requirements for communications R&D, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. DND’s present interests include interoperability of communications networks, quality of service, network security and high-capacity wireless systems.

Network Security & Public Safety

Communications, commerce, defence and other applications require secure network infrastructure. CRC continues to conduct research in the area of network security and communication systems for public safety, in partnership with other Canadian organizations. In particular, security of wireless networks is one area increasing concern.

Internet and Convergence

Although the Internet can be considered to be a mature technology, having been in existence for over 20 years, it is important for Canada to be on top of, and even contribute to, new world developments and improvements. As technology evolves and bandwidth is more readily available to consumers at reasonable cost, it also becomes important to understand and predict convergence trends between the various competing and complementary information delivery systems. CRC can provide a valuable look forward on these trends so that the government can be better informed when considering policy decisions.

Applications

One of the key drivers for acceptance and use of broadband technology is the availability of applications requiring a high quality of service. CRC is well positioned to use its access to various national and international communications networks to conduct demonstrations of novel broadband applications, such as e-learning, e-health and others, with a particular focus on those with a high degree of social or industrial benefit.