OTTAWA – The federal government on Thursday announced the first broadband project which will receive money from the Universal Broadband Fund’s Rapid Response Stream
Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development announced funding of $1 million for Hanna, Alberta-based Netago Internet to bring high-speed Internet access to 7,179 underserved households in Starland County (whose biggest town, Drumheller, is about 130 kms northeast of Calgary) and Stettler County (about 85 kms east of Red Deer), by November 15, 2021.
The $1.75 billion Universal Broadband Fund was launched on November 9, 2020 and included a the Rapid Response Stream, which makes up to $150 million immediately available for ready-to-go projects that can be completed by November 15, 2021. “This streamlined process is helping projects that are ready to move forward in the short term to receive quick approval so construction can start as soon as possible and more Canadians can be connected faster. The project being announced today was approved less than six weeks after the formal launch of the program,” reads the federal government press release.
“To help support applications for projects like this one, the UBF also provides a pathfinder service for all applicants, particularly those who need more support to build partnerships, find potential sources of funding and navigate the application process. This will ensure that the UBF can support the needs of all applicants, particularly smaller applicants such as municipalities or Indigenous groups.”
For more, please click here.
