Citizens' Services and Open Government Minister Ben Stewart announced today that Xplornet Communications Inc. has been selected by the B.C. government to help deliver the British Columbia Broadband Satellite Initiative (BCBSI).

First announced in November 2012, the BCBSI is part of the government's commitment to 100 per cent connectivity by 2021. It will help bring affordable, high-speed satellite Internet to people living in the most rural and remote parts of the province.

Over the next four years, government will invest up to $2 million in the BCBSI to help reduce the cost of bringing satellite broadband Internet service to areas where traditional Internet connections are difficult to install either because of challenging geography or where high telecommunications infrastructure costs are an issue. Xplornet will work with government to provide the latest in satellite technology as an affordable high-speed service option to these locations.

The BCBSI, which will officially launch this summer, will provide funding assistance for both installation and set-up costs of satellite Internet connections to citizens who qualify for the program. Further details will be announced when the program is launched.

Xplornet is a leader in providing rural broadband Internet service through satellite technology. They were selected, pending contract finalization, through an open and transparent government procurement process that was posted on the BCBid website.

Quotes:

Minister of Citizens' Services and Open Government Ben Stewart -

"This partnership will help deliver affordable high-speed Internet to families in remote or inaccessible places for the very first time."

"The expansion of broadband Internet into all parts of the province will help create economic opportunities for all British Columbians and brings government closer to achieving its goal of 100 per cent connectivity to citizens by 2021."

Bill Macdonald, senior vice-president, strategic business development, Xplornet Communications Inc. -

"We're very excited to be working with Network BC in bringing affordable satellite broadband service to British Columbians living in remote or rural locations. We've seen firsthand the benefits of bringing connectivity to rural areas, and we are looking forward to delivering this innovative solution wherever it's needed.

Quick Facts:

• Today, 93 per cent of British Columbians have access to high-speed Internet.

• The remaining seven per cent of the population live in the outskirts of connected communities or in rural and remote areas.

• In time, it is anticipated that four per cent of the population will gain access through existing programs, bringing land-based connectivity to their communities.

• For the remaining three per cent living in remote locations, the challenges of distance, difficult terrain and small markets all contribute in making it extremely challenging to deliver broadband Internet through land-based solutions. This means satellite technology offers the only viable option for the foreseeable future.

Learn More:

Read about how Network BC is connecting B.C. at: http://www.network.gov.bc.ca/

Media Contact:

Lara Perzoff
Communications Manager
Ministry of Citizens' Services and Open Government
250 387-0172