EDMONTON – The Government of Alberta said Monday that it is kicking off a new initiative to help provide unserviced areas of rural Alberta with access to high-speed Internet.
The program will ensure that high-speed Internet is available to at least 98% of Albertans. About 6%, or 72,000 households in rural Alberta, are currently without access to high-speed Internet service, the government said.
Included in the initiative is the $5 million Final Mile Rural Community Program which invites local governments who plan to provide high-speed Internet in their communities to apply for provincial funding to support or expedite their plans.
High-speed Internet infrastructure costs such as towers, equipment and technology, fibre optic cable, wireless equipment, installation costs and radio license fees are eligible to receive funding, and up to 75% of eligible project costs may be covered.
Applicants are required to submit a program application form before March 31, 2012. Click here for more information on the program or phone (780) 427-2409.
