Suffield will receive faster internet through the new funding. Believeinme/Dreamstime.com

By Eli J. Ridder

Suffield receiving faster internet connection with new Alberta funding

Jun 14, 2024 | 12:37 PM

Suffield will be among several rural Alberta communities benefitting from a provincial-federal partnership revealed on Friday that’s aimed at improving internet speed, reliability and cost.

Ottawa — through its Universal Broadband fund — and Alberta are investing a combined $150 million to bring the improved internet to 120 communities and over 14,400 households.

Suffield, the only community impacted by the funding near Medicine Hat, will bring improved access through Telus, according to a government news release.

The fresh cash is part of the province’s effort to improve internet access, technology and innovation minister Nate Glubish said.

“Reliable internet access is a necessity for our communities to thrive,” Glubish said in a statement.

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“I’m proud of our work on the Universal Broadband Fund, and I’m looking forward to seeing these projects get shovels in the ground.”

To date, the federal and provincial governments have invested more than $370 million in 51 projects, bringing connectivity to more than 47,000 households across 333 communities in Alberta, according to government figures.

So far, 61 projects have been funded and that funding is part of the $780 million joint commitment between Alberta and the federal government in 2021 to ensure all Albertans have access to high-speed internet.