Photo: GPRC / TELUS

By Shaun Penner

Smart HUBS

GPRC, TELUS partner to offer WiFi hubs to Indigenous students, those with limited access

Oct 8, 2020 | 11:21 AM

Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC) has inked a deal with TELUS to help Indigenous students, as well as those with limited to no internet accessibility, gain much needed access to online courses amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

GPRC announced Thursday that they have partnered with the telecommunications giant to offer 200 Smart Hubs, which are mobile WiFi hotspots, for students living in Indigenous rural areas or those who have little to no access to internet.

“GPRC prides itself on providing an inclusive and unparalleled student experience and this partnership will assist our College to ensure each student can access their course material with confidence,” said Dr. Robert Murray, the president and CEO of GPRC.

“Our top priority is the health and safety of our students, staff and community. GPRC is proud of this innovative partnership as the College transitioned to a predominately remote learning model this semester.”

The college’s fall semester is being delivered with a mixed model of in-class and remote learning, leading to an increased need for at-home internet access. The smart hubs will be available free of charge to those students in need and will provide up to 1TB of data per month.

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This is the second such partnership for TELUS in Grande Prairie, who has also partnered to offer WiFi hubs through the Grande Prairie Public Library.

“Access to reliable connectivity is crucial in nearly every aspect of our lives and this has never been clearer than amid the current global health crisis,” said Brian Bettis, General Manager – Alberta North, TELUS.

“TELUS remains committed to ensuring Grande Prairie has the resources it needs to thrive.”