Gudie Hutchings, the Honourable Minister of Rural Economic Development and the Minister overseeing the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, disclosed federal funding of up to $160 million.
This allocation is designated for initiatives aimed at delivering high-speed internet access to 13,700 households throughout Saskatchewan, alongside extending mobile connectivity along 500 kilometers of roads within the province.
“High-speed Internet is no longer a luxury,” commented Minister Hutchings. “It is only fair that communities large and small have a reliable connection so they can grow their potential in this digital world.”
Funding Recipients
An allocation of up to $105 million from the funding will be directed to SaskTel for initiatives benefitting roughly 5,700 households across communities in West Central and Northern Saskatchewan, with a predominant focus on Indigenous communities. Details regarding the specific communities to be connected and comprehensive project specifics will be unveiled at a later time.
Furthermore, SaskTel, through its Capital Plan, will enhance internet speeds in an additional 19 communities throughout the province, elevating them to 50/10 megabits per second (Mbps).
Additionally, the government will contribute $55 million across seven federally-funded projects aimed at providing high-speed internet access to over 8,000 households, with 3,200 being Indigenous households. Two additional projects will focus on extending mobile service along 500 kilometers of roadways within Indigenous communities and along highways.
The recipients of the funding include Access Communications Co-operative Ltd., Advanced Interactive Canada Inc., BH Telecom Corp., Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation in partnership with Sequorum Inc., Meadow Lake Tribal Council, and SaskTel.
Connectivity Target on Track
Government of Canada's funding, facilitated through the Universal Broadband Fund, aims to guarantee reliable high-speed internet and mobile connectivity for residents in rural, remote, and Indigenous areas. The objective is to ensure that by 2030, all Canadians will have access to high-speed internet, with 98% already connected by 2026.
Progress toward achieving the 2026 connectivity targets is on course, with these projects contributing significantly to this goal. The government remains committed to investing in infrastructure that fosters community growth and ensures that every community can leverage the full potential of Canada's resources.
