More than 40 rural communities around Alberta will have improved access to high-speed internet. More than $96 million from the provincial and federal governments is behind the project, which will improve access in more than 10,000 households, 2,000 of which are in Indigenous communities, according to the province.
Brocket (Piikani Nation), Carmangay, Vulcan and Champion are among the 26 communities where construction is already underway.
“Improving access to high-speed internet is the key to unlocking the potential in these communities across Alberta. I’m happy to note that construction work has begun in some communities. I look forward to continued work with the federal government to connect more communities until we achieve our goal of connecting every single Albertan to high-speed internet by 2027,” says Nate Glubish, minister of technology and innovation.
The funding is part of a joint commitment of $780 million between the two levels of government last year to improve internet access in remote, rural and Indigenous communities.
“This investment is a game-changer for rural Albertans and Indigenous communities. These investments in connectivity will ensure that thousands of households can access the tools and resources they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Access to reliable, high-speed internet will provide better education, health and economic opportunities, and will ensure that rural and Indigenous communities are full partners in Alberta’s growing economy,” says Gudie Hutchings, federal minister of rural economic development.
The federal government has a goal of ensuring 98 per cent of Canadians have access to high-speed internet by 2026 and 100 per cent by 2030.