High-speed internet coming to more rural Albertans

Thousands of people living in rural areas of central Alberta will now have access to high-speed internet.

The province has partnered with Xplornet Communications Inc. to provide high-speed satellite service to remote households that fall within the service footprint, but currently have no access.

In this latest phase, up to 4,600 households will have more internet options through the provincial government’s Final Mile Rural Connectivity Initiative.

Manmeet Bhullar, the minister of Service Alberta, made the announcement Monday in Cochrane, Alta., west of Calgary.

“This is a fundamental difference in the quality of life for many folks,” Bhullar said.

“Our premier has made it a commitment and goal of ours to make 98 per cent of Alberta households have access to high-speed internet access.… It’s very important to be connected to the world.”

Households that are eligible will have the standard installation distance charge of roughly $150 waived, which Bhullar says creates an equal opportunity for access to high-speed satellite service in the coverage area.

However, those customers still have to pay monthly service fees.

The cost of the five-year project is $900,000.

Central Alberta homeowners can visit the Service Alberta website or call 1-888-777-4010 to check their eligibility for the program.