The Government of Alberta is working with municipalities and industry to provide access to high-speed Internet in unserviced areas of rural Alberta.
“All Albertans should have access to high-speed Internet. For our rural communities, it’s essential to future economic competitiveness and vitality,” said Premier Alison Redford. “SuperNet was a good start delivering access to more than 420 communities. We are building on that and keeping our commitment to ensure Albertans - regardless of where they live - are just one click away from a world of opportunity.”
The Final Mile Rural Connectivity Initiative will help close existing service gaps and ensure reliable, high-speed Internet is available to at least 98 per cent of Albertans. About six per cent or 72,000 households in rural Alberta are currently without access to high-speed Internet service.
Included in the Initiative is the $5-million Final Mile Rural Community Program, inviting local governments who plan to provide high-speed Internet in their communities to apply for provincial funding to support or expedite their plans.
“This is about kids who want to research homework, families that want to stay connected and farmers and ranchers who want to market their products,” said Evan Berger, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Municipalities are key to the solutions. They know the challenges, they have ideas. Working together we will see more households with access to a critical service.”
High-speed Internet infrastructure costs such as towers, equipment and technology, fibre optic cable, wireless equipment, installation costs and radio license fees are eligible to receive Final Mile Rural Community Program funding. Up to 75 per cent of eligible project costs may be covered by the Program. Applicants are required to submit a program application form on or before March 31, 2012. To apply or for specific program information, visit www.rural.alberta.ca or phone 780-427-2409.