The Government of Alberta has contributed $9.7 million to match funds put up by the federal government that will help bring broadband internet to rural Alberta communities. 

West Yellowhead MLA Robin Campbell said the funds will go toward communities such as Robb, Brule and Cadomin. 

“This will give these communities an opportunity to come into the 21st century with high speed internet,” Campbell said. 

Some rural communities are still on dial-up internet, and Campbell said the new upgrades will help rural students who are participating in distance learning.

Upgrading technology to assist education is something the provincial government has done before. Campbell said that two years ago his government contributed $75,000 to get high speed internet out to the Palisades for all the students that take unique courses there. 

The money put forward by the province matches funds contributed by the federal government. The hope is to have high speed internet established in all rural communities across Alberta. 

“This money will be able to provide high speed internet to the whole province,” Campbell said. 

High speed internet allows the many students in Alberta who choose to do distance learning to complete their studies from home. 

“This will give our kids a real leg up in continuing their studies,” Campbell said. 

Small businesses in rural areas will also benefit from the funds, because they will be able to order products online as well as open up their market to a world audience. 

“This is really going to be advantageous, especially for our young people,” Campbell said. 

To determine which communities need the upgrades, the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC) and the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) will be meeting to discuss where the funds will be allocated. 

Once the decisions are made, Corridor Communications has been granted the contract to build the infrastructure through a nation-wide competition. 

“The Alberta government recognizes that access to broadband services is critical to the sustainability and future development of our rural communities,” said Service Alberta Minister Heather Klimchuk in a recent release. “We are fully committed to ensuring Albertans have access to high speed internet wherever they live. We are pleased with the support we have received from our federal colleagues that helps brings us closer to our goal.”