People living in Clinton now have modern high-speed internet access thanks to the completion of a project supported by the Connecting British Columbia program.

“Whether you’re a rancher, artist or someone keen on exploring your community or family history, fast, reliable internet access can help you do many of the things you enjoy most,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “With the completion of this project in Clinton, the Connecting British Columbia program has succeeded in bringing high-speed internet access to a vibrant, rural community. Together, we will continue to move forward on our mission to bring the benefits of connectivity to British Columbians in every corner of the province.”

ABC Communications recently completed work on a last-mile wireless network serving more than 320 homes and businesses in Clinton. This means people and workplaces in the community can access the internet at speeds fast enough to stream high-definition video, participate in remote learning and collaborate with others around the world in real time.

The project was made possible by a $16-million contribution from the Province through Phase 2 of the Connecting British Columbia program.

“The improved internet speed and reliability has definitely made working from home as an online marketer for small businesses much easier,” said Jordan Johnston, owner of Razzle Marketing in Clinton. “Since COVID-19, small business owners have needed more help than ever to get online, and without our newly reliable internet, I would not have been able to serve them as efficiently.”

The Connecting British Columbia program offers internet service providers like ABC Communications the opportunity to apply for grants that can help make broadband investments in rural and Indigenous communities a reality.

ABC Communications received $334,100 from the Connecting British Columbia program to cover half of the estimated cost of connecting people in Clinton with modern high-speed internet.

“The launch of this millimetre wave network expansion is a welcome addition to the community, providing 250 megabits-per-second service capability,” said Falko Kadenbach, vice-president, ABC Communications. “This is an example of an innovative solution to serve small rural communities with urban grade services at a much lower cost than traditional wireline services.”

Rural and Indigenous connectivity is a critical component of Stronger BC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, which aims to improve high-speed internet and cellular access for people in rural and Indigenous communities by October 2021.

In support of this goal, the Province made a record $90-million contribution to the Connecting British Columbia program in September 2020. This funding is expected to benefit people in hundreds of communities, and applications from internet service providers are being reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Quick Facts:

• Since July 2017, projects to improve high-speed internet are underway or completed in more than 500 communities, including 87 Indigenous communities.
• The total estimated cost of ABC Communications’ wireless project in Clinton was $668,217.
• The Province has made an additional $140 million available to the Connecting British Columbia program since the project in Clinton was approved for funding, as communities throughout B.C. continue to benefit from record investments in internet access.

Learn More:

Connectivity funding programs in British Columbia:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/connectivity-in-bc/connectivity-funding-programs

Northern Development Initiative Trust:
https://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/funding-programs/partner-programs/connecting-british-columbia/