Alberta announces $150M for broadband internet in rural & Indigenous communities

Kenney, however, says this is nowhere near being the case in Alberta just yet.

“Right now, about 80 per cent of Indigenous communities don’t have access to reliable internet in our province. Roughly 67 per cent of rural communities cannot rely on a stable internet connection and this is just no longer acceptable.”

That is why the Alberta Government announced $150-million to install broadband internet in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.

The Premier hopes to be able to leverage this to secure additional funding from the federal government and telecommunications companies.

The total cost of expanding rural broadband internet to underserved areas in the province is estimated at $1-billion.

Minister of Service Alberta Nate Glubish says this investment is a key part of growing Alberta’s economy.

“With better access to broadband internet, we see our GDP grow – we can expect it to grow between $500-million and $1.7-billion with access to universal connectivity. Broadband revitalizes communities by attracting new businesses, creating jobs, building new real estate markets as urban Albertans seek quiet, rural life with remote work opportunities that support meaningful careers.”

The total funding amount was announced Thursday but there are no details at this time on which communities will be getting it.

You can watch the Alberta Government’s press conference below:

by David Opinko

Alberta announces $150M for broadband internet in rural & Indigenous communities

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