Rural high-speed broadband projects announced
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The governments of Alberta and Canada announced an investment of more than $112 million into connecting more than 22,500 homes across the province to high-speed internet.
According to a release dated March 5, the same date as the announcement made at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Centre in Siksika Nation, Alberta’s government has committed to achieving full connectivity across the province by 2027.
“Internet is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. That is why your government made a historic commitment to connect 98 per cent of Canadians to high-speed internet by 2026,” said Gudie Hutchings, federal minister of economic development. “This announcement in Siksika Nation marks a significant milestone for internet connectivity in rural Alberta. This investment will provide reliable high-speed internet access to more than 22,500 underserved homes in 166 rural and remote communities in Alberta.”
The project was announced to consist of 14 projects, which will affect dozens of communities across the province. One of which, being Siksika Nation.
According to the release, the Alberta Broadband Strategy suggested a metric of 489,000 Albertans across 201,000 households lack access to federal target internet speeds.
“Access to reliable internet is not just a convenience; it’s a modern-day necessity that connects us all to essential services, education and each other,” said Ouray Crowfoot, chief of Siksika Nation. “On Siksika Nation, together with our government partners, we are not just bridging the digital divide; we are building pathways to a healthier, more connected future for all.”
The Canada-Alberta Broadband Partnership Agreement, signed March 9, 2022, marked a commitment of $780 million to connect approximately 200,000 households across Alberta to federal target internet speeds.
Since the signing of the agreement, the province boasts having awarded $211 million to 26 projects, covering 33,000 households in 223 communities.
The projects and funding through the Canada-Alberta Broadband Partnership Agreement have been awarded under the Universal Broadband Fund – a $3.225 billion federal program designed to support high-speed internet projects across Canada.
“Rural Municipalities of Alberta is pleased that the projects announced today will result in improved connectivity for many rural Albertans. This funding is an excellent example of collaboration between federal and provincial levels of government, allowing for investments into broadband projects,” said Paul McLauchlin, president of Rural Municipalities of Alberta. “We look forward to the continued partnerships between all levels of government to secure broadband funding for those who are underserved.”
More information regarding the project is available online through the Government of Alberta website, as well as via their YouTube channel, where the original press conference has been published.