The Infocomm topic covers information and communications technologies.  The term encompasses telecommunications, telephones, internet, satellites, mobile phones, smartphones, cable television, radio and television broadcasting, computers, tablets, and the applications they make possible.

Infocomm technologies are a driver of economic development, enabling Canadians to participate at the leading edge of the global economy.

As consumers our lives have been transformed by social networking, texting, flat rate long distance calling, music downloads, more television channels, video downloads, video games, on-line banking, on-line buying, search engines and other features.

At work our lives have been transformed by new systems, telecommuting, video conferencing, publishing, distance medicine, distance education, data mining, and other features. 

In telecom and broadcasting, policy and regulation have promoted a gradual shift from regulated monopolies and restrictive regulation towards competitive markets and incentive based regulatory structures.

Aspects of the old system remain although they are threatened by technological change and consumer demand.  Policy and regulation must be designed to continue the move towards consumer choice and competitive markets and prevent the use of existing market power to extend control and prevent innovation.

Canadian content regulations and other regulatory features that have promoted Canadian music, television, and film industries are under threat by the explosion of competition through new technology.  These changes have also brought opportunities that the cultural industries have eagerly embraced.

As technology changes, the way we deal with copyright, privacy considerations and access to resources like spectrum and rights of way will also change.  These policy areas must be balanced to enable business to function while maintaining individual civil and political rights.

The Infocomm Frontiers Project will impact other key FCPP projects such as Rural Renaissance, Workplace Frontiers, Healthcare, Environment, and Education.