Dr. Catherine Middleton
Dr. Middleton is a Professor at the Ted Rogers School of Information Technology Management. An expert on telecommunications policy in Canada, her research focuses on advancing digital inclusion to ensure equitable access to digital society and enable full participation in the digital economy. Her research examines the ways in which markets and regulation impact the rollout and use of fixed and wireless broadband networks in Canada and internationally, investigates the causes and impacts of digital exclusion, and identifies policies and actions to advance meaningful adoption of digital technologies and reduce digital divides.
Dr. Middleton held a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair from 2007-2017, served as a MITACS Policy Fellow at the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) in 2017-2018 and is a member of the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists. Dr. Middleton’s research has been funded by SSHRC, Infrastructure Canada, Institute for a Broadband-Enabled Society, the Networks of Centres of Excellence, Statistics Canada and Ryerson University. Her research projects have investigated the use of ubiquitous communication technologies in organizations, the development of next generation broadband networks (including Australia’s National Broadband Network), competition in the Canadian broadband market, Canadian spectrum policy and Canadians’ internet use. She was the Principal Investigator for the Community Wireless Infrastructure Research Project (external link) , the Co-Investigator on the Canadian Spectrum Policy Research Project (external link) and was a member of the Ageing + Communication + Technologies (external link) research team. With colleague Dr. Gregory Taylor she recently edited Frequencies: International Spectrum Policy (MQUP (external link) ).
Dr. Middleton holds the ICD.D (Institute of Corporate Directors, Director) designation and is currently serving as a Trustee for ARIN (American Registry for Internet Numbers) and a Board Member for the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-Television Services (CCTS). She is a past Board Chair of CANARIE (Canada’s research and education network) and also served on the board of Compute Ontario.
Development and use of new communication technologies, ubiquitous communication technologies, broadband networks, internet usage.
| Books |
|---|
| Choudrie, J., & Middleton, C. (Eds.). (2014). Management of Broadband Technology Innovation: Policy, Deployment and Use. New York: Routledge. |
| Book Chapters |
|---|
Middleton, C. (2014). Mobile Media and Next Generation Broadband: Policy and Markets. In G. Goggin & L. Hjorth (Eds.), Routledge Companion to Mobile Media (pp. 94-103). London: Routledge. |
Choudrie, J., & Middleton, C. (2014). Introduction. In J. Choudrie & C. Middleton (Eds.), Management of Broadband Technology Innovation: Policy, Deployment and Use (pp. 1-24). New York: Routledge. |
Middleton, C. A. (2013). Beyond Broadband Access: What Do We Need to Measure, and How Do We Measure It? in Taylor, R. D. & Schejter, A. M. (Eds.), Beyond Broadband: Developing Data-Based Information Policy Strategies (pp. 9-22). New York: Fordham University Press. |
| Refereed Journal Articles |
|---|
| Rajabiun, R. & Middleton, C. (2016). Decentralization and confusion about the state of European telecoms: Perceptions versus reality in policy formation abroad. Paper presented at the International Telecommunications Society (ITS) European Regional Conference, Cambridge, UK. |
| Rajabiun, R., Ellis, D., & Middleton, C. (2016). Literature Review: Affordability of Communications Services. Prepared for the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). |
| Middleton, C. (2016). Moral Fibre. Intermedia 44(1), pp. 31-34. |
Rajabiun, R., & Middleton, C. (2015). Lemons on the Edge of the Internet: The Importance of Transparency for Broadband Network Quality. Communications & Strategies. (98), pp. 119-136. |
Rajabiun, R., & Middleton, C. (2015). Public Interest in the Regulation of Competition. Journal of Information Policy, 5, 32-66. doi: 10.5325/jinfopoli.5.2015.0032 |
Rajabiun, R. & Middleton, C. (2014). Regulation, investment and efficiency in the transition to next generation broadband networks: Evidence from the European Union. Telematics & Informatics. 32(2), pp. 230-244. doi: 10.1016/j.tele.2014.09.001 |
Middleton. C., Scheepers, R., & Tuunainen, V. K. (2014). When Mobile is the Norm: Researching Mobile Information Systems and Mobility as Post-Adoption Phenomena. European Journal of Information Systems. 23(5), pp. 503-512. doi: 10.1057/ejis.2014.21 |
Allen, M., Park, S., Middleton, C., & Thompson, P. (2014). Broadband Futures: Content, Connectivity and Control. Media International Australia. 151, pp. 113-116. |
Middleton, C. (2014). Building a Digital Society: Questions for Communication Researchers. Australian Journal of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy. (2:1), pp. 27.1-27.11 |
Shepherd, T., Taylor, G. & Middleton. C. (2014). A Tale of Two Regulators: Telecom Policy Participation in Canada. Journal of Information Policy. (4), pp. 1-22. |
Rajabiun, R. & Middleton, C. (2013). Rural Broadband Development in Canada’s Provinces: An Overview of Policy Approaches. Journal of Rural and Community Development. (8:2), pp. 7-22. |
Scheepers, R. & Middleton, C. (2013). Personal ICTs and Ubiquitous Information Systems Environments: Key Issues and Research Implications. Communications of the AIS. (33:22), pp. 381-392. |
May, S. J. & Middleton, C. (2013). The Other Mobile TV: ATSC MDTV Broadcasting in Canada. Canadian Journal of Communication. (38:4), pp. 663-672. |
Rajabiun, R., & Middleton, C. A. (2013). Multilevel Governance and Broadband Infrastructure Development: Evidence from Canada. Telecommunications Policy. (37:9), pp. 702-714. |
Samaan, Z., Schulze, K., Middleton, C., Irvine, J. Joseph, P., Mente, A., Shah, B., Desai, D., Anand, S. (2013). South Asian Heart Risk Assessment (SAHARA): Randomized Controlled Trial Design and Pilot Study. JMIR Research Protocols, 2(2/e33). |
Middleton, C., Park, S., & Allen, M. (2013). Converging on an NBN Future: Content, Connectivity, and Control – a Symposium Overview. Telecommunications Journal of Australia. (63:1), pp. 8.1-8.12. |
Crowe, R. & Middleton, C. (2012). Women, Smartphones and the Workplace: Pragmatic Realities and Performative Identities. Feminist Media Studies. (12:4). pp. 560-569. |
| Refereed Conference Proceedings |
|---|
Park, S., Freeman, J., Middleton, C., Allen, M., Eckermann, R., & Everson, R. (2015). “The Multi-Layers of Digital Exclusion in Rural Australia.” Proceedings of the 48th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, Hawaii: IEEE. pp. 3631-3640. |
| Reports |
|---|
| Middleton, C. (2016). There's an app for that. Unless there isn't – The Challenges of Digital Inclusion in Canada in 2016. Big Thinking Lecture to the Royal Society of Canada |
| Middleton, C. (2016). Followup Intervention Regarding Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2015–134 and CRTC 2015–134–1: Review of basic telecommunications services. |
| Rajabiun, R. & Middleton, C. (2015). Comments to the Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to Cabinet Regarding Notice No. DGTP–002–2015 — Petition to the Governor in Council concerning Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2015–326. |
| Middleton, C. (2015). Broadband is the key infrastructure for the 21st century (external link) . The Conversation. 29 September 2015. |
Middleton, C. (2015). (PDF file) Response to the Industry Canada Consultation on Developing a Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy |
Middleton, C. (2015). Intervention – Regarding Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2015-134 and CRTC 2015-134-1: Review of basic telecommunications services. |
Sapach, S, Rockwell, G. & Middleton, C. (2015). (PDF file) Data Management Plan Recommendation for Social Science and Humanities Funding Agencies |
Taylor, G. & Middleton, C. (2015). Response to the Consultation on Repurposing the 600 MHz Band. Gazette Notice SLPB-005-14. |
McNally, M., Taylor, G. & Middleton, C. (2014). Response to the Consultation on the Technical, Policy and Licensing Framework for Advanced Wireless Services in the Bands 1755-1780 MHz and 2155-2180 MHz (AWS-3). Gazette Notice SLBP-004-14. |
Middleton, C. (2014). Response to the Pre-tender consultation paper on the provision of free public Wi-Fi services in Tasmania. September 2014. |
Middleton, C. (2014). Independent Review of the Review of the SWIFT Regional Broadband Feasibility Study for the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus. |
Rajabiun, R. & Middleton, C. (2014). Intervention – Regarding Review of wholesale services and associated policies, Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2013-551, 15 October 2013 and CRTC 2013-551-1, 8 November 2013. |
Obar, J. A., Taylor, G., Antoine, D., Bivens, R., Caidi, N., Johnson, A., Middleton, C. & Skinner, D. (2014). Mapping Digital Media: Canada. Open Society Foundations. |
Middleton, C. (2013). Response to the Consultation on Capitalizing on Big Data: Toward a Policy Framework for Advancing Digital Scholarship in Canada. |
Middleton, C. Shepherd, T., Crow, B., Shade, L. R., & Sawchuk, K. (2013). Final Reply Regarding the Consultation on Proceeding to establish a mandatory code for mobile wireless services. Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2012-557. |
Middleton, C. Shepherd, T., Crow, B., Shade, L. R., & Sawchuk, K. (2013). Comment Regarding the Consultation on Proceeding to establish a mandatory code for mobile wireless services. Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2012-557. |
Middleton, C., Shepherd, T., Shade, L. R., Sawchuk, K. & Crow, B. (2012). Intervention Regarding the Consultation on Proceeding to establish a mandatory code for mobile wireless services: Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2012-557. |
Diamond, S., Roberts, V., Cater, B., Crow, B., Draper, P., Harfoush, N., Ladner, S., McEwen, R., Middleton, C., O’Farrell, M., Osterlund, K., Parisi, I., Pollock, A., Punnett, S., Purves, T., Rosen, H., Schwartz, G., Woodill, G. (2012). Taking Ontario Mobile. Toronto: OCAD University. |
Taylor, G. & Middleton, C. (2012). Response to Consultation on a Licensing Framework for Broadband Radio Service (BRS) — 2500 MHz Band. Canada Gazette Notice No. DGSO-004-12. |
Taylor, G. & Middleton, C. (2012). Response to Consultation on a Licensing Framework for Mobile Broadband Services (MBS) – 700 MHz Band. Canada Gazette Notice No. DGSO-002-12. |
Cukier, W. & Middleton, C. (2012). Assessing the Impact of Universities in the Ecosystem: Incubators, Accelerators and the Culture of Innovation. Report for the SSHRC Knowledge Synthesis Initiative on Leveraging Public Investments in Higher Education R&D to Stimulate Innovation. |
Middleton, C. A. & Biggar, J. (2012). Government International Best Practices in Fostering ICT Adoption among Small and Medium Enterprises: Lessons for Canada. Report for Industry Canada Electronic Commerce Branch. |
Middleton, C. A. (2012). Response to Call for Evidence UK House of Lords Select Committee on Communications: Will superfast broadband meet the needs of our “bandwidth hungry” nation? |
Undergraduate Courses
Graduate Courses
| Course Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| MT 8212 | Innovation & Organizational Theory |
| MT 8310 |
Special Topics in Information Systems Management |
| CC 8849 | Topics in Politics and Policy |
| CC 8987 | Selected Topics in Technology in Practice: Broadband and Mobile Communication Technologies |
| Year | Source | Program | Amount | Principle Investigator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2015-2019 |
SSHRC |
Insight |
$70,046 |
Catherine Middleton |
2015-2018 |
Australian Research Council |
Discovery |
$96,570 |
Ian McShane, RMIT University |
2014-2021 |
SSHRC |
Partnership Grant |
$427,609 |
Kim Sawchuk, Concordia University |
2014-2017 |
SSHRC |
Partnership Development Grant |
$66,666 |
Robert Kerton, University of Waterloo |
2013 |
SSHRC |
Connection Grant |
$19,700 |
Gregory Taylor, Ryerson University |
2012-2017 |
n/a | Canada Research Chair: Tier II |
$100,000 |
Catherine Middleton |
2012-2016 |
SSHRC |
Insight Grant |
$154,325 |
Gregory Taylor, Ryerson University |
2012 |
SSHRC |
Knowledge Synthesis Grant |
$25,000 |
Wendy Cukier, Ryerson University |
2011 |
Canadian Media Research Consortium |
Small Grant |
$4,500 |
Catherine Middleton |
2011-2012 |
Government of Ontario |
Grant in Support of Science and Research |
$124,300 |
Sara Diamond, OCAD University |
2010-2013 |
SSHRC |
Standard Research Grant |
$26,332 |
Catherine Middleton |
2010-2011 |
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario |
n/a | $70,000 |
Sonia Anand, McMaster University |
2010-2015 |
Networks of Centres of Excellence |
n/a | ~$50,000 |
Kellogg Booth, UBC |
2010 |
Institute for a Broadband Enabled Society (University of Melbourne) |
Seed Funding Grant |
$30,328 (AUD) |
Rens Scheepers, Patrice Auger, University of Melbourne, Australia |
2009 |
MITACS |
Accelerate |
$15,000 |
Catherine Middleton |
2009-2010 |
SSHRC |
Investigator, International Opportunities Grant |
$35,000 |
Catherine Middleton |
2009 |
Canadian Purchasing Research Foundation |
n/a | $7,000 |
Catherine Middleton |
2008-2011 |
SSHRC |
Management, Business and Finance Grant |
$65,133 |
Catherine Middleton |
2007-2012 |
Canada Research Chair: Tier II |
n/a | $100,000 |
Catherine Middleton |
- PhD, York University, Canada
- MMA, Bond University, Australia
- BA, Queen's University, Canada
- Named to the Royal Society of Canada College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists, 2014
- Canada Research Chair (renewal), 2012
- Ryerson University Faculty SRC [Research] Activity Award, 2009