Up to 4,600 additional households in rural central Alberta will now have access to high-speed Internet. A new government initiative will help eligible residents in rural and remote areas connect to high-speed Internet thanks to satellite technology and waived installation distance costs.
The initiative supports the government’s plan to provide high-speed Internet access to at least 98% of Albertans. This initiative is the second phase of the Final Mile Rural Connectivity Initiative, the strategy announced in January 2012 to close Internet service gaps in rural and remote areas.
The government is partnering with Xplornet Communications Inc. to provide high-speed Internet satellite service to rural and remote households that fall within the service footprint and are currently without access.
Eligible households will have the standard installation distance charge of approximately $150 waived, creating an equal opportunity for access to high-speed satellite service in the coverage area. Residents will pay monthly service fees.
Premier Alison Redford says affordable and reliable Internet access is essential for promoting rural economic development and maintaining our province’s competitive advantage. The cost of the five-year initiative is up to $900,000.
To check their eligibility for the new high-speed Internet satellite service program, central Alberta homeowners can go to www.servicealberta.ca or call 1-888-777-4010.
Source: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development