More than 2,700 residences and businesses in 100 Mile House and neighbouring communities will be better able to access faster Internet speeds, thanks to the B.C. government's $310,971 investment in a new connectivity project that will soon get underway by ABC Communications.

Local Internet service provider ABC Communications will match the Province’s funding for a total investment of $621,942. The provincial portion is being provided through the Connecting British Columbia program, administered by Northern Development Initiative Trust.

Over 2,700 rural households and businesses will have better opportunities to learn, do business, access services and stay connected through ABC’s technology upgrades and network coverage expansion. ABC's project will benefit the communities of 100 Mile House, Lone Butte, Gateway, Canim Lake, Sheridan Lake, Interlakes and Horse Lake. 

This project complements other Internet improvements being made by other Internet service providers operating in the wider region.

Connecting British Columbia is a multi-year grant program funded by the Province and administered by Northern Development Initiative Trust, to support new and upgraded backbone and last-mile infrastructure projects in rural and remote communities in B.C. to drive innovation, regional growth and the creation of new jobs. The program can be used for new Internet connections and to upgrade existing Internet connections, for local Internet infrastructure builds and for new pathways. 

As part of its Rural Economic Development Strategy, the Province recently announced a further investment of $40 million to the Connecting British Columbia program for a total of $50 million, to help regional Internet service providers, Aboriginal organizations, local governments, and other organizations to expand or enhance Internet connectivity in currently unconnected and underserved areas of B.C. 

This additional funding aligns with the Province’s #BCTECH Strategy to bring the province closer to 100% high-speed connectivity and help eligible B.C.-based Internet service providers leverage the new federal $500 million Connect to Innovate program to maximize funding available for rural connectivity projects.

Quotes:

Donna Barnett, Minister of State for Rural Economic Development, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin –

“Our $310,971 investment through the Connecting British Columbia program will help ABC Communications provide over 2,700 rural households and businesses with faster Internet speeds. As part of the Rural Economic Development Strategy, we’re enabling more residents to stay connected with the world, allowing them to access educational opportunities and government services while helping local businesses compete by expanding this program.”

Joel McKay, Northern Development Initiative Trust CEO –

“Thanks to our partnership in the delivery of the Connecting British Columbia program and local Internet service provider ABC Communications, we are able to help rural communities in the North access the connectivity infrastructure they need to foster economic development opportunities as well as to bridge the gap between urban and rural services. We’re pleased that as a result of this project, more than 2,700 new customers will have access to broadband Internet.”

Bob Allen, ABC Communications CEO –

“In today’s interconnected world, the Internet has become an integral part of daily life, which is why we are upgrading high-speed Internet in the North through newer technology. Thanks to this provincial funding, we can expand on our existing services and invest in the future of 100 Mile House and neighbouring communities.”

Quick Facts:

• Under the Connecting British Columbia program, nearly $10 million has been allocated to more than 30 projects that will improve or expand Internet services in over 200 communities around the province.
• To date, more than 40,000 households have benefited from the Connecting British Columbia program.

Learn More:

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

#BCTECH Strategy: http://bctechstrategy.gov.bc.ca

Rural Economic Development Strategy: https://bcjobsplan.gov.bc.ca/app/uploads/sites/21/2017/03/BCRED_Strategy_FINAL.pdf

ABC Communications: https://www.abccommunications.com

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

Interactive and searchable map showing broadband availability in B.C.: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/about-the-bc-government/communications-technology/internet-in-bc/network-bc-connectivity-map