Rural areas throughout Wood Buffalo are set to get connected to high-speed internet following a $21 million investment between the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) and TELUS.
According to TELUS, the RMWB contributed $13.2 million to the project, making it one of the single largest partnerships between TELUS and a municipality to expand connectivity.
Construction is expected to begin this summer to get several rural communities connected to the TELUS PureFibre network.
TELUS & RMWB expect that more than 90 per cent of homes and businesses within the footprint will be connected by the end of 2023.
Areas that will be connected to gigabit Internet speeds and expanded cellular coverage include:
- Anzac
- Chipewyan Prairie First Nation
- Conklin Métis
- Draper
- Fort McKay First Nation
- Fort McKay Métis
- Fort McMurray First Nation
- Gregoire Lake Estates
- Janvier Métis
- Willow Lake Métis
“For people and businesses, enhanced Internet service will improve their online experience and how they connect socially, conduct business, access services, and enjoy entertainment. This has long been a priority in supporting rural communities in the region and we are pleased to partner with TELUS to bring faster and more reliable Internet to many rural communities in the region,” said Sandy Bowman, Mayor of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. “This infrastructure will promote connectivity and open the door to new possibilities and contribute to better opportunity in our communities. My appreciation goes to everyone that worked hard to make this possible.”
Honourable Nate Glubish, Minister of Service Alberta says that the improved connectivity for the region means that residents and businesses in those areas will see similar levels of service as in urban cities.
“With every additional home, business or community that is connected to reliable high-speed internet, Alberta moves one step closer to achieving its goal of universal connectivity,” explained Glubish.
