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By rdnewsNOW Staff

Alberta

Indigenous-owned broadband infrastructure coming online in Alberta

Jan 19, 2023 | 5:27 PM

The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and ATG Arrow Technology Group Limited Partnership (Arrow) have announced a formalized agreement for the CIB to lend $8.1 million towards new broadband infrastructure serving Indigenous and rural communities in Alberta.

Officials note the investment is part of the CIB’s Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative which offers lending solutions to accelerate Indigenous infrastructure projects.

The new broadband service is expected to close an infrastructure gap by connecting underserved households in 20 Indigenous and four rural communities. Under the terms of the agreement, Arrow is responsible for all aspects of construction, installation, operations and maintenance of the new broadband service.

Officials say construction activities have already begun to build out the infrastructure required to support equitable access to online education, public services and e-commerce.

The CIB’s financing is in addition to grant funding from:

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• Government of Canada’s Universal Broadband Fund Rapid Response Stream
• Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s Broadband Fund
• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Connect to Innovate

Officials say the Indigenous communities benefiting from the broadband include First Nations from Treaty 8 and Treaty 6, as well as Métis Settlements, marking the CIB’s first investment towards addressing infrastructure gaps within Métis communities.

Due to the low population density and current lack of broadband infrastructure in rural areas, however, the cost of connection per household is very high, officials point out. The CIB’s financing rates are hoped to allow broadband connectivity to expand in unserved and underserved communities at a quicker pace while also enabling Arrow to charge affordable rates to its Indigenous and rural customers.

Quick facts:

• The infrastructure to be deployed consists of building a fibre optic backbone network and a series of greenfield ‘last mile’ projects to connect homes.
• The broadband service will offer speeds of 50-300 Mbps and unlimited data, enhancing telecommunications services for residents, businesses and public service delivery.
• Through the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative, the CIB is investing in community-based projects which provide a service and a direct benefit to an Indigenous community or communities to help close the infrastructure gap.

Endorsements

“As part of the CIB’s Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative, our $8.1M investment with Arrow Technology Group enables a majority First Nations-owned business to expand their operations and services to 20 Indigenous and four rural communities in Alberta. New broadband access will address the digital divide, create new economic opportunities and support public services like health and education while strengthening communities,” says Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank.

“Arrow Technology Group is dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities by bringing high-speed connectivity to their areas. We recognize the importance of bridging the digital divide and are committed to providing access to the tools and resources needed to succeed, creating new educational, social and business opportunities. This collaboration with the Canada Infrastructure Bank will enable us to connect more Indigenous and rural communities in Alberta to high-speed internet,” adds Vaughn Paul, President, Arrow Technology Group Limited Partnership.

“The internet has the power to equalize access to resources and knowledge for Indigenous communities. The success of these projects, enabled by the Canada Infrastructure Bank and Arrow Technology Group, will have a lasting impact. By providing access to the same resources and opportunities as the rest of Alberta, we can open a gateway to a brighter future for those who have previously been left behind,” shared George Arcand Jr., Chief of Alexander First Nation.

“Our government recognizes that high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, but a need. More and more services are now online, and a reliable connection is needed for all Canadians to access government services, pay bills, and talk with family and friends. Today’s announcement helps bridge the connectivity gap experienced by many rural Albertans and Indigenous communities while providing good paying jobs,” notes The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.