CRTC approves $8.8 million in broadband rollout in Alberta and Nova Scotia

The CRTC has approved four projects that will facilitate broadband rollout in two communities in Nova Scotia and three in Alberta, up to $8.8 million of which will be coming from the Broadband Fund, the regulator announced Thursday. We’koqma’q First Nation and Seaside Communications Inc. are receiving $915,165 for fibre lays in the first nation and in the community of Whycocomagh in Nova Scotia. The projects will use fibre to the home (FTTH) to deliver broadband at speeds ranging from 25/5 Mbps to 1000/50 Mbps. ATG Arrow Technology Group Limited Partnership is receiving $7,863,772 for three projects in Alberta: $1,530,960 for Boyer, $2,522,645 for Child Lake, and $3,810,167 for Louis Bull. All three projects will provide service at 100/50 Mbps speeds. “Whether it’s helping to close our country’s pronounced digital divide or ensuring better access to services, we work so that Canadians can benefit from a world-class communications system,” CRTC chair Ian Scott said in a statement. “I am pleased to say that we have made some notable progress on this front in the past year, thanks to our Broadband Fund.” This is one of several rollouts announced by the commission lately, however, there has been criticism that the speeds prescribed in the proceedings are too slow. On Wednesday, the subject of fibre rollout arose during the Senate Question Period. Conservative Senator Dennis Patterson of Nunavut pointed out that some spectrum holders are not using the bandwidth. “What actions will the government take to ensure that carriers build the infrastructure needed to deliver wireless internet when they buy spectrum, instead of not deploying their spectrum and even, in some cases, holding on to spectrum and then selling it at a profit years later?” he asked government representative in the Red Chamber Marc Gold. “The government is committed to a regime within which all Canadians have access to affordable, quality internet connectivity, and we will be mindful of that commitment as we approach the next auction,” Gold replied. “The issue that you raised has been much in the news. The government is aware of it. I have no information at this juncture to share with regard to the government’s plans.” That same day, Patterson’s fellow Tory Leslyn Lewis made a statement in the House of Commons regarding broadband rollout. “During COVID, rural children were unable to attend classes online due to inconsistent high-speed internet and the lack of access to internet altogether. Small businesses could not connect with their clients. Our agricultural sector could not reach its customers,” the MP stated. “I call on the government to ensure that every Canadian has the opportunity to succeed by having access to the basic necessities, like high-speed internet. I promise to use my voice to ensure that the people of Haldimand-Norfolk are not left behind.” –Reporting by Paul Park at ppark@thewirereport.ca and editing by Jenna Cocullo at jcocullo@thewirereport.ca

CRTC approves $8.8 million in broadband rollout in Alberta and Nova Scotia

News | December 16, 2021

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CRTC approves $8.8 million in broadband rollout in Alberta and Nova Scotia

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