An investment of more than $96 million from the governments of Canada and Alberta will result in the implementation of high-speed internet in over 10,000 homes in Alberta. (Photo 135458116 © Chalirmpoj Pimpisarn | Dreamstime.com)

By Christian Oldale and Justin Goulet

Funding announced to bring high-speed internet to over 10,000 homes in Alberta

Jul 11, 2023 | 12:40 PM

VULCAN, AB – The provincial and federal governments have collaborated to bring high-speed internet to many people across Alberta.

An investment of over $96 million will help bring services to more than 10,000 homes in rural and remote parts of the province. Officials note the funding will support the implementation of high-speed internet in more than 2,000 Indigenous households and over 40 rural communities in Alberta.

Alberta’s Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish said, “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.”

Work has started on 26 communities, with others to follow. The 26 communities include:

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• Salt Prairie
• Sunset House
• Enilda
• Joussard
• Kinuso
• Heart River
• Gull Lake South
• Rimbey
• Viewmar Estates
• Bluffton
• Brocket (Piikani Nation)
• Rainbow Lake
• Brant
• Kirkcaldy
• Cayley
• Carmangay
• Champion
• Ensign
• Herronton
• Little Bow Resort
• Mossleigh
• Queenstown
• Travers
• Vulcan
• Lake McGregor Country Estates
• Milo

The funding allocation is part of Alberta’s joint commitment of $780 million with the federal government to improve access to high-speed internet in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.

In September 2022, the provincial and federal governments announced $70.6 million to connect 10,000 Alberta households with high-speed internet.

READ MORE: Rural communities in southern Alberta to get high-speed internet

Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development, Gudie Hutchings said, ““This investment is a game-changer for rural Albertans and Indigenous communities.”

Hutchings added, “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.”

The provincial government’s 2023 budget includes and investment of $369 million over three years to support underserved communities by implementing high-speed internet, which officials said will also help create more jobs.

READ MORE: Rural communities in southern Alberta to get high-speed internet

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