Modern, high-speed internet is arriving for people in the communities of Deka Lake and Sulphurous Lake.

About 200 homes and businesses now have the benefit of high-speed internet following the completion of a project that was funded, in part, through the Province’s Connecting British Columbia program.

“The Connecting British Columbia program helps make high-speed internet access a reality in rural and remote communities,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “The completion of this project means residents of Deka Lake and Sulphurous Lake now have improved access to much-needed services like education, health and emergency response.”

ABC Communications recently completed an upgrade of the wireless network, which means people in the community are now able to access the internet at download speeds of 50 megabits per second – enough to stream high-definition video, work remotely or run a home business, connect to Telehealth and participate in educational programming.

“Our 100 Mile House staff are truly heroes. They worked tirelessly to upgrade service for the Deka Lake community this fall despite the very challenging construction requirements they faced,” said Falko Kadenbach, vice-president, ABC Communications. “With individual heroic acts, dedicated local leadership and provincial programs like Connecting British Columbia, we are achieving the high-speed internet goal, one project at a time.”

This upgrade, which cost $157,725, was made possible through a $78,862 grant from the Province’s Connecting British Columbia program. ABC Communications funded the other half of the project costs.

Ravi Kahlon, Parliamentary Secretary for Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, visited 100 Mile House to launch the newest phase of the Connecting British Columbia program. The historic $50-million fund will help many more communities experience the benefits of high-speed internet.

“Deka Lake and Sulphurous Lake are prime examples of the difference that Connecting British Columbia funding can make to communities,” Kahlon said. “The arrival of high-speed internet will help the community build a stronger economy by enabling local businesses and entrepreneurs to grow their operations and reach clients both locally and globally.”

Since July 2017, the Province has supported projects to improve high-speed internet connectivity that are underway or completed. These projects have benefited 479 communities, including 83 Indigenous communities (approximately 45,000 households).

Learn More:

Connecting British Columbia – new $50-million funding intake launched: https://news.gov.bc.ca/21128

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

Learn about  internet in B.C.: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/about-the-bc-government/internet-in-bc

For more information on ABC Communications, visit: www.abccommunications.com