$77M boost from feds funds high-speed Internet to rural BC

The federal and provincial governments have committed more than $77 million to new high-speed Internet projects across British Columbia. The move will expand connectivity for thousands of households in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.

This funding covers 15 projects that will provide high-speed Internet access to over 6,900 households, including more than 1,200 Indigenous households. The move is part of ongoing efforts to bridge digital divides in Canada and is supported by both the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia through the Connecting Communities BC program.

"In today's day and age, every corner of British Columbia should have access to reliable, affordable high-speed Internet, whether that's in Echo Bay or Ocean Falls. Today's announcement is a major milestone, and investments like these make a real difference in people's lives, creating jobs, improving access to health care and online learning services, and keeping us connected to our loved ones," said Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development).

Of the total funding, the feds are contributing $7 million specifically in the communities of Spallumcheen, home to Splatsin First Nation. The community of Hullcar will receive cellular connectivity along a 120-kilometre stretch of rural roadway.

The corporations receiving the funding for these projects are CityWest Cable & Telephone and TELUS Communications.

The Canadian government's investment comes through the Universal Broadband Fund, a program established to ensure rural, remote and Indigenous communities across Canada have adequate digital infrastructure. The Universal Broadband Fund itself is valued at $3.225 billion, targeting the provision of high-speed Internet to 98% of Canadian households by 2026 and complete nationwide coverage by 2030.

Canada's Connectivity Strategy defines "high-speed" as at least 50 megabits per second download and 10 megabits per second upload.

According to Diana Gibson, British Columbia's Minister of Citizens' Services, the partnership will make sure households, businesses, and Indigenous communities are equipped to participate fully in the digital economy.

"Today's announcement is about giving people the tools they need to succeed in a digital world, no matter where they live. The Province is pleased to be working in partnership with the federal government to provide high-speed Internet access to families, businesses and Indigenous communities throughout British Columbia," said Gibson.

According to government figures, 95.8% of Canadian households have access to high-speed Internet, which is a rise from 79% in 2014. In British Columbia, the equivalent percentage is now close to 96% with over $573 million invested in provincial connectivity projects since 2015.

The connectivity upgrade also includes a focus on mobile coverage for First Nations communities, as part of a broader focus to improve both safety and economic opportunity in remote areas. The Universal Broadband Fund provides a dedicated allocation of up to CAD $50 million for mobile projects that predominantly support Indigenous communities.

The federal government works with Internet service providers to extend discounted connectivity to eligible households through the Connecting Families Initiative, which includes TELUS as a participating partner. The Canada Infrastructure Bank has also committed more than $2 billion to broadband projects nationwide, supporting both the acceleration and expansion of digital infrastructure across regions.