Rural and remote areas $150 million closer to high-speed internet

It has become apparent, particularly during the pandemic, that high-speed internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity. 

For anyone who lives outside the urban areas, they are very aware of the need for speed when it comes to an internet connection. 

The federal government and municipal governments have all weighed in on the issue pledging to make broadband internet accessible to rural areas.

Today, Thursday, July 22, 2021, Premier Kenney announced that the provincial government will pledge $150 million towards expanding and improving broadband internet in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. 

Minister of Service Alberta, Nate Glubish says, “Increasing access to broadband is vital to revitalizing rural communities and jump-starting economic growth. From La Crete to Taber, this will bring jobs and investment to villages, towns, and Indigenous communities across rural Alberta.”

The numbers show that 80 per cent of Indigenous communities and 67 per cent of rural communities do not have access to the internet targets set out by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission or the CRTC.

Paul McLauchlin, president of Rural Municipalities of Alberta says, “Every dollar contributed to specifically addressing rural broadband addresses the significant digital poverty that rural Albertans experience. RMA feels this is one of the most effective investments to growing communities, supporting business, and supporting the future of modern agriculture and resource development. Rural Albertans will be pleased that they have been heard.”

The announcement is another step in the process as it is estimated that the total cost of expanding rural broadband internet is pegged at $1 billion. It is expected to be a cost-sharing project dependent on the federal, provincial government, and the private sector to share the cost. 

In November of 2020, the Government of Canada launched the Universal Broadband Fund of $2.75 billion to support high-speed internet projects across the country. 

There were no specific details as to how, when, or where the $150 million announced today will be implemented.

So, rural residents will have to wait a little longer.