Broadband update: AUMA’s work with Service Alberta continues

As part of AUMA’s ongoing work on the issue of broadband internet, we have been in regular contact with Service Alberta, with senior ministry officials recently presenting at our Small Communities committee. Further to this, the Ministry recently shared some of their plans regarding increasing access to broadband internet access for Alberta communities.

Service Alberta has been very busy during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that emergency management professionals and people working from home were able to stay connected to the internet and telecommunications in light of the unprecedented volume on these systems.

Service Alberta has also shared that they are actively working on the broadband strategy, as outlined in Budget 2020. This includes:

• advocating to the federal government on broadband funding issues;
• providing support to applications to the CRTC Broadband Fund;
• providing feedback on the design of the Universal Broadband Fund; and
• for the federal government to recognize the investment Alberta has already made in broadband through the provincial SuperNet.

One question AUMA has received in the past is for municipalities that are seeking to find their own solution to broadband access; where should they start? For municipalities who have plans or are considering plans, they can contact Richard Bates, Government of Alberta Business Analyst, at Richard.Bates [at] gov.ab.ca (Richard[dot]Bates[at]gov[dot]ab[dot]ca).

AUMA will continue to work with Service Alberta to advocate for improved access to broadband internet across the province.

Please contact AUMA’s advocacy [at] auma.ca (subject: Broadband) (Advocacy staff) if you have further questions.