The Alberta and Canadian governments are investing more than $112 million to connect more than 22,500 homes across the province to broadband internet. (Photo 91570655 © Lesia Sementsova | Dreamstime.com)

By Christian Oldale

Alberta, Canada governments investing in high-speed internet for rural, Indigenous areas

Mar 5, 2024 | 2:55 PM

The province is providing funds to bring high speed internet to over 22 thousand homes in Alberta.

The Alberta and Canadian governments are investing more than $112 million to connect more than 22,500 homes across the province to broadband internet.

Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation said, “Improving access to high-speed internet will level the playing field. I’m confident that we are on track to achieving our goal of connecting every single Alberta household to high-speed internet by 2027.”

Through Alberta’s Broadband Strategy, the government is investing $390 million over five years in rural broadband service. They say it is to help Albertans stay connected, support their livelihoods, and improve access to education and healthcare.

The federal government is matching that investment, bringing the total to $780 million in order to improve connectivity in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.

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Among the recipients is the Siksika Nation, and Chief Ouray Crowfoot said, “Alberta Municipalities is pleased to see the provincial and federal governments work together to improve high-speed internet connectivity across Alberta. It is exciting to see something for which we have long advocated is becoming a reality.”

A list of projects and the locations of them can be found at the Government of Alberta website.

Court Ellingson, Alberta NDP Critic for Technology and Innovation, released the following statement in response:

“Today’s announcement is just another example of a broken promise by the UCP government who are failing miserably in their promise to bring high-speed internet to every Alberta household and business by 2027.

“In 2022, the UCP launched a partnership with the federal government to bring high-speed internet to every Alberta household and business by 2027.

“Today’s announcement leaves the government far short of its target. This announced project won’t be complete until 2027 so, it is fair to say, that with only one-third of funding now deployed, the government will not reach 100 per cent coverage.

“Albertans rely on access to high-speed internet to operate their businesses, access educational and health services, and so much more. High-speed internet is critical to our lives today.

“Albertans are frustrated that the promise made in 2022 is far behind schedule and leaving so many of them without this critical service. The UCP must do more to prove to Albertans they can deliver on their promise.”

Quick facts

• Communities from the 14 projects announced March 5 that will benefit from improved internet speeds include:

(With files from rdnewsNOW)

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