Families and communities with high-speed Internet access will benefit from $50,017 in upgrades as part of up to a $10-million investment by the B.C. government that will speed up and expand their Internet service and remove bottlenecks.

This investment in connectivity fulfils the commitment made in Budget 2015-16 and is part of the Province’s strategy to reach the goal of 100% high-speed connectivity before 2021.

The grant will allow the Minto Communications Society to upgrade and replace older equipment, install new software and construct a new transmission tower to provide improved service for Gold Bridge area customers.

The Connecting British Columbia program is designed to help with issues such as ‘last-mile infrastructure access’ which is the connection from the main network line to the individual subscriber, often the barrier to expanding Internet service in rural communities.

Connecting British Columbia is administered by Northern Development Initiative Trust and covers the entire province. Eligible applicants are selected based their project’s potential to provide expanded or improved Internet service to British Columbians in rural and remote areas.

Quotes:

Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Amrik Virk –

"In today's world, being able to access online services and resources is becoming more and more essential. This program is part of our commitment to ensure everyone in B.C. has access to high-speed Internet service so they can take advantage of the opportunities in the digital world no matter where they are located."

Chair, Northern Development Initiative Trust Evan Saugstad –

“We are proud to have this opportunity to help bring modern Internet access to British Columbians in rural or remote locations that otherwise may not have the ability to access the resources online so many of us benefit from and enjoy.”

Quick Facts:

• High-speed Internet is considered to be at least 5Mbps download speed and 1Mbps upload speed.
• 94% of British Columbians currently have access to high-speed Internet service.
• To date, 190 First Nations communities now have access to broadband infrastructure, up from 85 in 2008.

Learn More:

Connecting British Columbia Program Guide and Application Form: www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca

Network BC: www.network.gov.bc.ca

Minto Communications Society: www.mintocomm.ca