Stay informed with the LNN Daily Newsletter
Minister of Service Alberta Nate Glubish announces a separate expansion of rural internet services in July 2022. (Image: Government of Alberta)

Rural communities in Southern Alberta to get high-speed internet

Sep 23, 2022 | 2:18 PM

BROCKET, AB – A few communities across the region will soon be equipped with broadband internet connections thanks to a new funding announcement.

The Governments of Alberta and Canada will allocate up to $70.6 million to bring high-speed internet access to over 10,400 homes in rural communities across the province.

Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development Gudie Hutchings says the internet is no longer a luxury – it is a necessity.

“Having fast, reliable Internet helps rural communities access essential services like health care and education, participate in the digital economy or simply connect with loved ones,” says Hutchings. “Our government will continue to work side by side with our partners to achieve our connectivity targets and ensure every Canadian, no matter where they live, has access to high-speed Internet by 2030.”

The rural communities in Southern Alberta that are set to benefit from this investment include Brocket, Carmangay, Cayley, Champion, Gleichen, Siksika Nation, and Vulcan.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Economic Development Nate Horner says this announcement will bring hope to thousands of Albertans who live in some of the province’s most underserved rural areas.

“We all know that many of the educational and economic opportunities of the future are found online, and this funding for better broadband will help our rural communities seize these opportunities, which will go a long way in helping them attract newcomers to sustain and grow, and allow our farmers to compete on the world stage,” says Horner.

No timelines were provided for when the installation of broadband internet infrastructure would be installed.

A full list of the communities in Alberta that will receive funding is available on the Government of Canada website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now