Canada's efforts to bridge the digital divide in rural areas received a significant boost with a CAD $85 million financing initiative aimed at expanding broadband internet access in underserved regions of Western Canada. This latest investment underscores the growing commitment to improving rural connectivity and addressing long-standing gaps in high-speed internet access.
The financing, provided by Power Sustainable Infrastructure Credit (PSIC), will support the development of broadband infrastructure by Calgary-based Canadian Fiber Optics Corporation (CFOC). A recent report by the Alberta Government highlights the critical need for such initiatives, revealing that 67% of rural Albertans and 80% of Indigenous communities lack reliable access to high-speed internet at federally recommended speeds. This digital divide hampers economic growth and limits opportunities for education, healthcare, and business innovation in these areas.
By targeting underserved regions in Western Canada, this collaboration marks a pivotal step towards ensuring equitable access to the digital economy for all Canadians.
Rural Connectivity in Canada
Improved connectivity is more than a convenience; it is a critical driver for social and economic development. It allows rural businesses to expand their market reach, enables students to access online education, and helps healthcare providers to implement telemedicine services. For Indigenous communities, reliable internet can support self-governance and cultural preservation through digital platforms.
Canada continues to prioritize rural connectivity through initiatives like the Universal Broadband Fund, aimed at achieving 98% nationwide high-speed internet access by 2026.
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