The two levels of government will contribute $70.6 million to connect over 10,000 homes in Alberta to high\u002Dspeed internet.
The two levels of government will contribute $70.6 million to connect over 10,000 homes in Alberta to high-speed internet, said a news release issued by Alberta Friday. The funds are the first to be dedicated to projects qualifying for theSign up to receive daily headline news from the Calgary Herald, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Friday’s announcement marked the first dedication of funds out of the Alberta Broadband Strategy, a $390 million commitment over four years to improve internet access in rural areas of the province. Between the federal and provincial governments, more than $700 million has been directed to improving internet access in these communities.
Speaking at an unrelated event on Friday, Premier Jason Kenney said his government is committed to ensuring 99 per cent of Albertans have access to high-speed internet within 40 years.Article content Opposition leader Rachel Notley, speaking at the same conference Friday, said her party has a plan to improve internet access should it form government next year. She said that many of the rural municipal leaders in attendance were working with the current government on their broadband plan but said she has heard it needs to move forward at a quicker pace.