The CBC and Toronto's e-Radio Inc. have successfully tested a technology that uses FM radio signals to turn on appliances like dishwashers and dryers. This is being done with the CBC/Radio-Canada whose coverage allows them to reach 99% of the Canadian population. The technology uses a small microchip receiver installed in home smart appliances that can receive FM signals.

This is a Canadian developed technology which enables consumers to take advantage of energy savings possible when these smart appliances are run during off hours when electricity rates are lower. Theoretically a smart appliance could be programmed to run automatically during these energy-saving times of day which could save money for consumers in the long run.

e-Radio states that they specialize in secure one way data delivery of data which would consist of text messages or commands that can be delivered to residential smart grid devices. e-Radio also has the ability to also deliver real-time information like news and weather using their technology. So in a few years time if you forget to turn on the dryer maybe it will be able to turn itself on or you can do it remotely making it one less thing to worry about.

Read more about this unique partnership on digitalhome.ca.

Industry Minister Tony Clement has given Globalive under the Wind Mobile brand the go ahead to start operations immediately. The holdup was based on control with the government stating that with the company’s voting shares controlled by Canadians and with some 80% of their Directors being Canadian they did not violate the foreign ownership regulations. The face of the Canadian wireless industry has officially changed with this decision as a new national mobile carrier can begin operating.

This decision reverses the ruling set by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission who had previously ruled that because foreigners held two-thirds of Globalive’s equity and would be the primary source of technical expertise as well as provided access to an established trademark they didn’t meet the test of Canadian ownership.

This decision by the Federal government restores the previous decision by Industry Canada. This conflict in the interpretation of the foreign ownership regulations has come to highlight how two different branches of government can come to two completely different conclusions.

Globalive will be testing their network in Calgary and Toronto where they will launch the network first with an emphasis on the major metropolitan areas in Canada where they can reach between 15 and 18 million Canadians.

This is a good day for Canadians that want new choices in mobile making it a more competitive environment which will lead to lower costs for the consumer over time. A press conference is scheduled by Globalive for 11:00am EST in Toronto where Globalive will discuss the ruling and what the future holds now that the roadblocks have finally been removed.

Arlene Dickinson the CEO of Venture Communications is one of the dragon's on CBC's Dragon's Den. She spoke at the Canadian InnovationExchange about her apporach to  has a background in marketing and took the time out of her busy schedule to impart some of the lessons she has learned in her time competing in the business world. So here is her top 10 with some commentary from my side of the street. Drum roll please:

1. Never fall in love with a deal - There is always another around the corner and you risk losing the ability to see the situation clearly which can backfire.

2. Never fall in love with an idea - If you are too much in love with the idea you can become blinded to the issues that if you address will make it an idea that sings or one that falls flat.  

3. Understand what it takes to bring it to market - She says you need enough information to make a decision but that doesn't take 100% of the information it may only take 70%. This is about doing the research and be realistic about your plans and goals.

4. Speak the simple truth - KISS in other words keep it simple stupid, fancy language doesn't work when you are pitching your ideas to vc's, a few angels or even your family and friends since they are not experts speak in a way they can connect to.

5. Don't let someone else tell your story - In marketing you never want the competition to tell your story, then you are letting them define you instead of you defining yourself. You want to control your narrative.

6. Do let someone else bring credibility to your story - Make sure you have a 3rd party to back up your claims, it gives your story more weight and believability than if is possible without.

7. Listen - Most people say they listen but you really, be an active listener and use what is said in your responses, it will make what you say have that much more impactful.

8. Confidence not arrogance - If you can’t sound like you believe in it then why will anyone else.

9. Create a compelling package - This is self explanatory but make it something they want to buy or if it is something that is not a physical product where the value is apparent and for me as an ad guy taps the emotion in all of us.

10. Reserve the right to get smarter – We can never know enough so be a lifelong student, because the only time you should stop is when you are dead.

So those were her rules and I can see them being useful in starting your own business and pitching the ideas, concepts and businesses.

Remco Solid State Lighting, Mark Matthews, President & CEO, has been highlighted as one of Canada’s Top 20 most innovative companies for its energy-efficient LED lighting technology. The Canadian Innovation Exchange (CIX) honours innovative Canadian firms that are breaking new ground in their fields. On December 2nd, Remco and 19 other firms will take part in a jam-packed day full of people, ideas and knowledge to help them seek to expand the boundaries of their business.

Remco was founded in 2003, and their LED lighting solution is scalable to all lighting applications. For example, street lighting where this technology would use half as much energy as traditional street lights to provide quality affordable illumination, long lifespan, unparalleled efficiency, and a environmentally responsible product that delivers a better lighting with significant energy and maintenance cost savings. There is no mercury or hazardous gases in Remco’s LED Street Light which lasts for 50,000 hours.

Remco has a competitive technology advantage to directly replace the required street lighting with energy savings. The initial target markets are municipalities. Remco’s technology is a breakthrough in high power energy-efficient LED lighting, something that could help in these times of greater environmental awareness and cost-cutting. A field test of the technology was successfully conducted at Camp Borden demonstrating the superiority of Remco’s technology compared to others.

Mark Matthews had this to say: “Our patented power efficient LED driver technology provides superior optimal LED lighting efficacies to directly replace street lighting with energy savings. Remco’s LED lighting technology will revolutionize the way streets and highways are illuminated”.  

The Canadian Innovation Exchange offers Mark Matthews and all the other firms a chance to obtain insight into current trends, potential investors, banks, law firms and government officials.

Remco has spent the past six years researching and developing their patented technology and solid state illumination. They represent the leading edge in the industry. They are currently looking for investors, partners and capital to secure their goal to save energy, provide a better quality environmentally friendly light, and make a contribution to the reduction of CO2 in the atmosphere.