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$9 million project

Red Deer County moving forward with rural fiber optic network

Apr 30, 2020 | 2:15 PM

Red Deer County has taken a step forward in establishing a high-speed broadband internet network throughout the county.

Council this week awarded an operational and construction management services contract to Valo Networks Ltd. to build the rural fiber optic network.

According to County officials, Valo Networks was considered the overall successful bid by having the lowest build costs, a complete package of services, and a very close alignment to the County’s fiber build philosophy. Five other companies also placed bids for the project.

In March of this year, Red Deer County, in cooperation with the Village of Delburne and the Town of Penhold, posted an RFP with the intent of finding an Operational and Construction Manager for the ongoing regional fiber project.

Valo’s bid indicates a $9.2 million price tag for the total build and operational cost for 2020. However, the County’s portion will not exceed the limit of the currently approved budget for this project, which is $4 million.

Officials say the County’s contract with Valo Networks is for a term of five years, and includes an option to extend the deal for another five.

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