A joint investment of $830 million will bring high-speed internet access to more British Columbians, according to the province.
“We are excited to make this historic announcement that is years in the making, giving people, businesses and communities in every part of B.C. access to high-speed internet over the next five years,” reads a joint statement by Lisa Beare, minister of citizens’ services and Ravi Kahlon, minister of jobs, economic recovery and innovation.
The record investment by the province and federal government will bring high-speed internet access to many communities for the first time. About 115,000 households in rural, remote and Indigenous communities are still underserved, according to the province.
“Connectivity provides a life-changing opportunity to connect more people and businesses with the services and supports they need to succeed and compete in a global economy,” the statement said.
The province plans to improve internet access through investment in infrastructure such as low-orbit satellites and fixed and fibre internet connections to homes.
“We will level the playing field for more British Columbians, providing better access to jobs, education, training, health care, and so much more.”
The investment is part of the provincial government’s StrongerBC Economic Plan which aims to provide high-speed internet access to each B.C. resident by 2027.
