Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is set to bring high-speed internet to hundreds of additional rural and remote communities as part of its ongoing push to close the digital gap across the province. With the latest round of broadband funding, connectivity will soon be extended to 759 more communities, benefiting tens of thousands of households.
Provincial officials said the new phase of projects, supported through the Universal Broadband Fund, will provide reliable high-speed internet access to about 83,000 additional homes. The expansion marks a significant step toward ensuring that residents outside major cities are no longer left behind in an increasingly digital world.
While urban areas have traditionally enjoyed strong internet infrastructure, the government says similar access is essential for rural Albertans. The latest projects are largely focused on communities where geography, distance and limited infrastructure have made connectivity difficult.
Technology and Innovation Minister Nate Glubish said the province set out with a clear objective when it launched its broadband strategy: universal access to fast, reliable internet regardless of location. He noted that the newly announced projects bring Alberta to more than 95 per cent of that goal, with further efforts planned as remaining gaps are identified.
Since the strategy was introduced, Alberta and the federal government have jointly invested more than $622 million across 81 broadband projects. These initiatives have already connected over 135,000 homes. Of the total projects, 14 have been completed, 44 are currently under construction, and 24 remain in the planning stage.
Federal Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger described the announcement as a major milestone, saying improved internet access supports economic growth, job creation and access to essential services such as health care and online education. He added that reliable connectivity also helps rural residents stay connected with family and friends.
The most recent batch includes 27 projects involving a range of partners. Service expansion will cover dozens of municipalities, along with the Woodland Cree First Nation, where a fibre-to-the-home network is being developed for Cadotte Lake.
Alberta’s Broadband Strategy aims to eliminate barriers to internet access in rural, remote and Indigenous communities. Officials say high-speed connectivity is critical for education, remote work, business development and access to government services, making it a key pillar of long-term economic and social development across the province.
