Alberta, feds invest $70M to improve internet access for rural, Indigenous communities

Networking cables in a server bay are shown in Toronto on Wednesday, November 8, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Posted October 2, 2022 1:53 pm.

The provincial and federal governments are earmarking $70.6 million to connect thousands of homes across rural Alberta to high-speed internet access.

More than 50 communities will receive broadband funding from Alberta and Canada as part of the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) and Alberta’s Broadband Strategy.

Roughly 10,400 households, including more than 2,700 Indigenous households, are expected to benefit from the joint investment.

We’re investing more money in rural broadband in partnership with the Government of Canada, increasing total funding to $780M to help connect households in rural, remote and Indigenous communities to high-speed internet: https://t.co/t3OaEIzkic pic.twitter.com/Gn5Hbb1Hdm

— Alberta Government (@YourAlberta) March 9, 2022

It’s part of Alberta’s pledge to invest $390 million over the course of four years to improve access to high-speed internet in rural, remote and Indigenous communities. Ottawa has pledged to match that investment.

“Improving access to high-speed internet is one of the most powerful things we can do to support rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across Alberta,” said Nate Glubish, the minister of Service Alberta. “A reliable internet connection unlocks access to the essential services we rely on every day, supporting everything from online learning to better home health care.

The province says nearly half a million Albertans do not have access to a reliable internet connection.

The rate is higher in rural Alberta, where 80 per cent of Indigenous communities, including eight Metis settlements, and 67 per cent of remote communities do not have proper access to high-speed internet that meets federal target speeds.

“We all know that internet is no longer a luxury in this day and age – it’s a necessity. We need to close the connectivity gap and ensure that every nook and cranny of Alberta has access to reliable high-speed Internet. This announcement to connect over 10,400 households, including more than 2,700 Indigenous households, is great news for Albertans,” said Gudie Hutchings, federal Minister of Rural Economic Development

Here is a list of communities that will receive improved internet access: