Research Interests

  • Adoption and usage of mobile technologies
  • Broadband internet infrastructures, access and usage

Catherine Middleton, B.A., MBA, Ph.D.

Professor and Interim Director 
Ted Rogers School of Information Technology Management
Ryerson University

2017-2018 MITACS Canadian Science Policy Fellow at the CRTC
(Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission)

Room: TRS 2-016
Phone: + 1 (416) 979-5000 ext. 7923
E-Mail: catherine.middleton@ryerson .ca

Catherine Middleton, B. A. (Queen's), MBA ( Bond University, Australia), Ph. D. (York). Dr. Middleton held a Canada Research Chair in Communication Technologies in the Information Society (2007-2017) and was named to the inaugural cohort of the Royal Society of Canada's College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists in 2014. Her research focuses on the development and use of new communication technologies, with specific interests in mobile devices and fixed and wireless broadband networks. She is also interested in how Canadians use (or don't use) the internet in their daily lives.

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 (like Blackberries) in organizations, the development of next generation broadband networks (including Australia's National Broadband Network), competition in the Canadian broadband market, and Canadians' internet use. She was the Principal Investigator for the Community Wireless Infrastructure Research Project and is the Co-Investigator on the Canadian Spectrum Policy Research Project. She is a member of the Ageing + Communication + Technologies research team.

In 2016, Dr. Middleton gave her second "Big Thinking" lecture on The Challenges of Digital Inclusion in Canada. Her first Big Thinking lecture, in 2010, offered insights to Canadian parliamentarians about what is needed to develop a digital society for all Canadians.

Dr. Middleton was a member of the GRAND Networks of Centres of Excellence project. She is a member of the Board of Trustees of ARIN (American Registry for Internet Numbers) and chaired the Board of Directors of CANARIE, Canada's advanced research and innovation network, from 2015-2017.

Dr. Middleton's article (with Wendy Cukier) titled "Is Mobile Email Functional or Dysfunctional? Two Perspectives on Mobile Email Usage" won the 2007 Stafford Beer Medal for best paper in the European Journal of Information Systems.

Dr. Middleton held a Statistics Canada Fellowship in 2006-07 to work with the Household Internet Use and Canadian Internet Use Survey data.

Dr. Middleton teaches in the MBA/MScM program in the Ted Rogers School of Management, and teaches and supervises students in the Communication and Culture graduate program.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

Taylor, G., & Middleton, C. (Eds.) (2020). Frequencies: International Spectrum Policy. McGill-Queen’s University Press.

Freeman, J., Park., S. & Middleton, C. (2019). Technological literacy and interrupted internet access. Information, Communication & Society. DOI:10.1080/1369118X.2019.162390 [abstract]

Luka, M. E. & Middleton, C. (2019). The LTTV Consultations: Mapping Old and New Interests in Television Today. Canadian Journal of Communication. 44(2). pp. 3-12. doi:10.22230/cjc.2019v44n2a3117 [paper]

May, S. J. & Middleton, C. (2019). Jean-Pierre Blais’s Magic Items: Over-the-air Digital Television Delivery as Canadian Regulatory Revelation. Canadian Journal of Communication. 44(2). pp. 13-22. doi:10.22230/cjc.2019v44n2a3118 [paper]

Park, S., Freeman, J. & Middleton, C. (2019). Intersections between connectivity and digital inclusion in rural communities. Communication Research and Practice. 5(2), 139-155. Retrieved from doi:10.1080/22041451.2019.1601493. [abstract]

Rajabiun, R. & Middleton, C. (2018). Strategic choice and broadband divergence in the transition to next generation networks: Evidence from Canada and the U.S. Telecommunications Policy 42(1), pp. 37-50. [paper]

Middleton, C. (2017). An Introduction to Telecommunications Policy in Canada. Australian Journal of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy 5(4), pp. 97-124. [abstract]

Taylor, G., Middleton, C., & Fernando, X. (2017). A Question of Scarcity: Spectrum and Canada's Urban Core. Journal Of Information Policy 7, pp. 120-163. [paper]

Rajabiun, R. & Middleton, C. (2017). Regulatory federalism and broadband divergence: Implications of invoking Europe in the making of Canadian telecom policy. Intereconomics 52(4), pp. 217-225. [paper]

Middleton, C. (2017). Broadband Infrastructure for the Future: Connecting Rural Ontario to the Digital Economy. Rural Ontario Institute Foresight Paper. [paper]

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. [lecture] [video]

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. [paper]

Rajabiun, R., Ellis, D., & Middleton, C. (2016). Literature Review: Affordability of Communications Services. Prepared for the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). [literature review]

Middleton, C. (2016). Moral Fibre. Intermedia 44(1), pp. 31-34. [paper]

Middleton, C. (2016). Followup Intervention Regarding Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2015–134 and CRTC 2015–134–1: Review of basic telecommunications services. [intervention]

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. [comments]

Middleton, C. (2015). Broadband is the key infrastructure for the 21st century. The Conversation. 29 September 2015.

Middleton, C. (2015). 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. [intervention]

Sapach, S, Rockwell, G. & Middleton, C. (2015). Data Management Plan Recommendation for Social Science and Humanities Funding Agencies

Taylor, G., Middleton, C., & Goodrick, P. (2015). Getting Communications Policy out of the Telephone Booth. Policy Options, May-June, pp. 46-48.

Rajabiun, R. & Middleton, C. (2014). Presentation to the CRTC Review of wholesale service and associated policies (CRTC 2013-551). [presentation]

Middleton, C. (2014). Mobile Media Technology — Interview by Christina Haralanova. wi Journal of Mobile Media. 8(1). [interview]

Middleton, C. (2014). The NBN needs Australian action, not a lesson from Canada. The Conversation. 27 August 2014 [article]

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.

Allen, M., Park, S., Middleton, C., & Thompson, P. (2014). Broadband Futures: Content, Connectivity and Control. Media International Australia. 151, pp. 113-116.

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. [ paper]

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. [paper]

Middleton, C. (2014). Canada, Libraries and the Digital Economy. Presentation to the Ontario Library Association Superconference. [ slides]

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. [paper]

Middleton, C. (2013). Competing Visions of Next Generation Broadband: Insights from Australia's NBN. Intermedia. 41(2), pp. 12-16.

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.

Rajabiun, R. & Middleton, C. (2013). Multilevel Governance and Broadband Infrastructure Development: Evidence from Canada. Telecommunications Policy. 37(9), pp. 702-714. [paper]

May, S. J. & Middleton, C. (2013). The Other Mobile TV: ATSC MDTV Broadcasting In Canada. Canadian Journal of Communication. 38(4), pp. 663-672. [paper]

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.

Middleton, C. (2013). House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology Study of Broadband and Internet Access Across Canada [opening statement]

Middleton, C., Shepherd, T., Shade, L. R., Sawchuk, K. & Crow, B. (2012, 2013). Intervention Regarding the Consultation on Proceeding to establish a mandatory code for mobile wireless services [Intervention | Comment | Final Reply]

Crowe, R. & Middleton, C. (2012). Women, Smartphones and the Workplace: Pragmatic Realities and Performative Identities. Feminist Media Studies, 12(4), pp. 560-569. [abstract]

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.

Middleton, C. (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? [paper]

Middleton, C. (2011). Canada's Telecommunications Policy Environment. Telecommunications Journal of Australia, 61(4), pp. 69.1-69.14. [paper]

Middleton, C. (2011). Final Arguments regarding Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2011-77: Review of billing practices for wholesale residential high-speed access services. [paper]

Middleton, C. (2011). From Canada 2.0 to a Digital Nation: The Challenge of Creating a Digital Society in Canada. In M. Moll & L. R. Shade (Eds.), The Internet Tree. pp. 3-16. Ottawa: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

Middleton, C. (2011). Structural and Functional Separation in Broadband Networks: An Insufficient Remedy to Competitive Woes in the Canadian Broadband Market. In M. Moll & L. R. Shade (Eds.), The Internet Tree. pp. 61-72. Ottawa: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

Taylor, G. & Middleton, C. (2011). Response to the Industry Canada Consultation on a Policy and Technical Framework for the 700 MHz Band and Aspects Related to Commercial Mobile Spectrum. [paper]

Middleton, C. & Given, J. (2011). The Next Broadband Challenge: Wireless. Journal of Information Policy. 1(1). pp. 36-56. [ paper]

Middleton, C. & Bryne, A. (2011). An Exploration of User-Generated Wireless Broadband Infrastructures in Digital Cities. Telematics & Informatics. 28(3). pp. 163-175. [preprint]

Middleton, C. & Tul-Hazra, U. (2011). Understanding the costs and benefits associated with advanced e-business solutions in Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises. Report for Industry Canada. [report]

Middleton, C. (2010). Delivering Services over Next Generation Broadband Networks: Exploring Devices, Applications and Networks. Telecommunications Journal of Australia. 60(4), 59.1-59.13. [paper]

Middleton, C. (2010). From Canada 2.0 to a Digital Nation. Big Thinking Lecture Series. Ottawa. [lecture]

Given, J. & Middleton, C. (2010). Open Access Broadband Networks in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Singapore. Telecommunications Policy Research Conference. Arlington, VA. [paper]

Middleton, C. (2010). Preparing Canada and Canadians for the Digital Society: Research on Digital Infrastructure and Digital Literacy. Submission to the Government of Canada Digital Economy Consultation.

Middleton, C. (2010). Communication Technologies in the Information Society: Informing our Understanding of Canada’s Digital Economy. Canada Research Chairs 10th Anniversary Panel. Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences. Montreal. [presentation]

van Gorp, A. & Middleton, C. (2010). Fiber to the Home Unbundling and Retail Competition: Developments in the Netherlands. Communications & Strategies. (78). pp. 87-106. [paper]

Middleton, C., Veenhof, B., & Leith, J. (2010). Intensity of Internet Use in Canada: Understanding Different Types of Users. Ottawa: Statistics Canada – Business Special Surveys and Technology Statistics Division Working Papers. [paper] [français]

Biggar, J., & Middleton, C. (2010). Broadband and Network Environmentalism: The Case of One Million Acts of Green. Telecommunications Journal of Australia. 60(1). pp. 9.1-9.17. [preprint]

van Gorp, A. & Middleton, C. (2010). The Impact of Facilities and Service-Based Competition on Internet Services Provision in the Canadian Broadband Market. Telematics and Informatics. 27(3). pp. 217-230. [abstract] [preprint]

Sullivan, J., Scheepers, R., & Middleton, C. (2009). Conceptualizing User Satisfaction in the Ubiquitous Computing Era. Proceedings of the International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS), Phoenix, AZ.

Middleton, C. (2009). Can Broadband Support Environmental Sustainability? An Exploration of Claims at the Household Level. Telecommunications Journal of Australia, 59(1), 10.1-10.14. [paper]

Middleton, C. & van Gorp, A. (2009). How Competitive is the Canadian Residential Broadband Market? A Study of Canadian Internet Service Providers and Their Regulatory Environment. Telecommunication Policy Research Conference. Arlington, VA. [paper][presentation]

van Gorp, A. & Middleton, C. (2009). Fiber to the Home and Competition: Developments in the Netherlands & Canada.Telecommunication Policy Research Conference. Arlington, VA.[paper] [presentation]

Cukier, W., Bauer, R., Ngwenyama, O. & Middleton, C. (2009) A Critical Analysis of Media Discourse on Information Technology. Information Systems Journal. (19). pp. 175-196. [abstract]

Middleton, C. & Crow, B. (2008). Building Wi-Fi Networks for Communities: Three Canadian Cases. Canadian Journal of Communication. 33(3). pp. 419-441.

Potter, A. B., McIntyre, N. & Middleton, C. (2008). How Usable are Outdoor Wireless Networks?. Canadian Journal of Communication. 33(3). pp. 511-524.

Middleton, C. (2007). Understanding the Benefits of Broadband: Insights for a Broadband Enabled Ontario. Paper prepared for the Ministry of Government Services, Ontario.

Middleton, C. & Cukier, W. (2006). Is Mobile Email Functional or Dysfunctional? Two Perspectives on Mobile Email Usage. European Journal of Information Systems. 15(3), pp. 252-260. Operational Research Society Stafford Beer Medal Prize Paper.[Preprint]