AAMDC Releases Report Mapping Broadband Coverage in Rural Alberta

Many rural areas now have access, but there is a long way to go

Nisku, AB–The Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC) releases a report today outlining the state of broadband coverage in rural Alberta.

The report demonstrates that while there have been improvements in recent years to ensure all Albertans have access to the internet, there is still a gap between the internet service that rural areas can expect, compared to their urban counterparts.

“It can be easy for Albertans living in urban areas to take internet service for granted. In rural areas, there is just a different reality. If you can get service, it tends to be slower and more expensive. The first step is ensuring that all Albertans can access internet service, then we can start discussing the speed and price inequities.” says AAMDC President Bob Barss.

As accessibility is the first step, this report focuses on quantifying what areas do and do not have access to broadband. Through an in depth data collection process, areas were analyzed on township by township basis to determine coverage. These smaller areas were then aggregated to produce summaries of coverage for all areas of the province.

“Internet access will be a critical issue in keeping our rural areas attractive to business development and young people. As the AAMDC is the voice of rural Alberta, we are pleased to work towards collaborative solutions in dealing with this critical issue for rural Albertans.”

“Premier Redford has made commitments through minister mandate letters to provide leadership for increasing broadband access in rural areas. We eagerly anticipate further work being done to find solutions to Alberta’s access challenges.”

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Since 1909, the AAMDC has helped Alberta’s rural municipalities achieve strong, effective local government. The association provides Advocacy and Aggregated Business Services for the province’s 69 counties and municipal districts. Learn more at www.aamdc.com.

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