The Connecting British Columbia program is providing $133,000 to Base Technology Ltd. to deliver Poole Creek residents with high-speed Internet access for the first time.

An estimated 150 households will be better able to learn, do business, access services and stay connected through high-speed Internet access. Local emergency services, like the Pemberton Fire Department, will also benefit from open access to the new communications infrastructure and backup generators, improving public safety.

Connecting British Columbia is a $10-million grant program funded by the Province and administered by Northern Development Initiative Trust to expand and upgrade broadband connections in rural and remote communities throughout B.C.

Base Technology will provide matching funding for these communications improvements for a total investment of over $250,000 that will include:

• A new fibre Internet connection facility for Poole Creek.
• New Internet relay sites with local Wi-Fi access points for Poole Creek, which will be shared with local emergency services.
• Backup generators to support 24 hour emergency services communications in the event of a power outage.

Through the #BCTECH Strategy, government’s goal is to see every British Columbian with access to high-speed Internet by the end of 2021. The Province is working with other levels of government and the private sector to make this happen.

The #BCTECH Strategy is a key component of the BC Jobs Plan to support the growth of B.C.’s vibrant technology sector and strengthen British Columbia’s diverse innovation economy. The multi-year strategy includes a $100-million BC Tech Fund and initiatives to increase talent development and market access for tech companies that will drive innovation and productivity throughout the province.

Quotes:

Jordan Sturdy, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky –

“By investing in critical communication networks in rural and remote communities like Poole Creek, we’re making it possible to provide B.C. residents with improved emergency communications, economic opportunities, access to online education services and connections with family and friends. We rely on service providers such as Base Technology to connect remote communities with geographically challenging terrain.”

Davin Peterson, executive director, Base Wireless –

“By bringing broadband access to Poole Creek, we are providing significant benefits for the community, and enabling people’s ability to run their businesses and access critical services. As a locally owned and operated Internet service provider, we are also pleased to provide open access to our networks that enables shared infrastructure with local emergency services.”

Joel McKay, CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust –

“Investment in broadband connectivity supports economic diversification strategies throughout B.C. This funding will provide the community with high-speed Internet access for the first time ever, supporting local business growth, service delivery and improved quality of life."

Mike Richman, mayor, Village of Pemberton –

“Public safety is our first priority and this investment ensures that backup generators are in place 24 hours a day, so our fire department won’t have to worry about radio failure if the power goes out. Access to high-speed Internet will also help strengthen our community overall, keeping us on par with larger cities.”

Quick Fact:

• To date, more than 33,000 households in over 150 communities will receive expanded high-speed Internet access through the Connecting British Columbia program.

Learn More:

Connecting British Columbia program: http://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/funding-programs/business-development/connecting-british-columbia

Base Technology Ltd.: http://www.basewireless.com

Northern Development Initiative Trust: http://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca

A photo regarding this announcement is available here: https://flic.kr/p/PEtiXG