Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): High-speed internet is moving deeper into rural Alberta as the provincial and federal governments announce $24.8 million in funding for two broadband projects expected to connect 1,833 homes across remote and rural communities.
The investment is aimed at closing the digital divide in areas where reliable internet access remains limited, giving residents better access to online services, businesses and communication.
For communities outside Alberta’s major urban centres, broadband is increasingly more than a convenience. It can determine whether residents can access virtual healthcare, operate a business, pursue opportunities online or remain connected with family and friends.
The latest projects form part of a broader $780-million Alberta-Canada broadband partnership announced in 2022, which targets improved high-speed internet access for rural, remote and Indigenous communities across the province.
A Digital Lifeline for Rural Communities
Alberta Technology and Innovation Minister Nate Glubish said access to reliable internet should not depend on where a person lives. He said the latest funding will help strengthen rural connectivity while supporting local businesses and expanding access to essential services.
The federal government has also set a goal of bringing high-speed internet access to 100 per cent of Canadian households by 2030.
Federal Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger said dependable broadband has become essential for everything from virtual healthcare and entrepreneurship to keeping in touch with loved ones.
The latest investment is therefore not simply about laying cables or expanding networks. For 1,833 Alberta households, it represents a stronger connection to the services, opportunities and economy of an increasingly digital Canada.
