MCSnet has been awarded grant funding to expand its fiber optic network to 705 homes in the Hamlet of Thorhild and the MD of Bonnyville. The funding, part of a successful application to the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF), will support the installation of fiber to homes in several communities, including Crane Lake, Aspen Grove Subdivision, Riverbend Subdivision, and Whitetail Ridge Estates, as well as other rural properties east of Cold Lake.
Jerico VanBrabant, CEO of MCSnet, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “Building Fiber to the Home in these communities will make them scalable for future internet technologies and add another layer of internet reliability,” he said. “Combined with new wireless technologies, such as GigAir, we are able to reach more customers with gigabit speeds throughout our service area.”
MCSnet’s application to the UBF, submitted in 2021, aimed to enhance internet speeds for its customers in Northeastern Alberta. The UBF provides funding to improve internet speeds in rural and remote communities, targeting speeds of 50/10 Mbps. The St. Paul-based company, which serves predominantly rural and remote areas, was successful in securing this grant. The announcement was made on June 14 and included matching funds from both federal and provincial governments as part of their broadband strategies.
This grant marks the fifth successful application by MCSnet to enhance broadband infrastructure. To date, MCSnet has received over $28 million in grant funding and has invested $24 million of its own funds. These investments have collectively improved internet speeds for more than 35,000 homes and businesses in Northeastern Alberta.
The project overview:
Homes to be connected to fiber: 705
Total project costs: $8,949,600
Federal funding: $3,356,100
Provincial funding: $3,356,100
MCSnet funding: $2,237,400
The expansion of fiber optic infrastructure in these communities is expected to significantly enhance internet reliability and future-proof the regions for upcoming technological advancements.