Access to high-speed internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity in today’s digital age. Recognizing this, the provincial and federal governments have made a significant investment to provide more than 4,300 homes in Strathcona and Beaver counties with access to high-speed internet. This investment is part of the Alberta Broadband Strategy, which saw a commitment of $390 million from the province, matched by the federal government.
The project, spearheaded by Switch Inc., aims to bridge the digital divide in these communities by providing improved access to high-speed internet. The areas that will benefit from this initiative include Ardrossan, Armena, Bruce, Collingwood Cove, Cooking Lake, Half Moon Estates, Holden, Kingman, Sherwood Park, and Tofield. These communities will now have the opportunity to fully participate in the digital economy, access online education, and connect with loved ones through reliable internet connectivity.
Strathcona County mayor Rod Frank emphasized the importance of dependable internet connectivity in today’s world. He highlighted how essential it is for living, working, and playing, underscoring the impact that this investment will have on the quality of life for residents in these counties. With the increasing reliance on technology for everyday tasks, having access to high-speed internet is crucial for staying connected and accessing essential services.
According to the province, in 2021, nearly 489,000 Albertans across 201,000 homes lacked access to federal target internet speeds. This investment is a step towards closing this gap and ensuring that all Albertans have equal opportunities to thrive in the digital landscape. With 62 projects currently underway in Alberta through the federal Universal Broadband Fund, the government is committed to expanding high-speed internet access across the province.
While work on the Strathcona and Beaver counties project is already underway, the province has not provided a timeline for its completion. However, the impact of this investment will be felt for years to come as residents in these communities gain access to the tools and resources needed to fully participate in the digital world. As technology continues to play a central role in our lives, initiatives like this are essential for building inclusive and connected communities.
