Key Points
- Governments of Alberta and Canada announced 27 projects under the Universal Broadband Fund, totalling over $373 million.
- Federal contribution: nearly $137 million; provincial: $112 million; service providers: $124 million.
- Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development) for the Government of Canada, stated everyone in Alberta should have access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet.
- Belanger added that the announcement is a major milestone, creating jobs, improving healthcare and online learning access, and keeping communities connected.
- Missing Link Inc. invests $24.4 million to connect 1,559 households in 19 communities, including Sylvan Lake and Bentley.
- Xplore allocates $13.5 million for fixed wireless internet to 19,689 households in communities like Bentley, Blackfalds, Sylvan Lake, Didsbury, Innisfail, Norglenwold, Olds, Penhold, Ponoka, and Rimbey.
- Targeted communities in central Alberta to gain connections by December 2026 or March 2027.
- Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation for the Government of Alberta, said the projects advance their broadband strategy towards 95% goal coverage.
- Glubish noted Alberta’s commitment to universal connectivity, with ongoing efforts as more homes are identified.
- Full list of communities available on the Government of Canada website.
Alberta (Manchester Mirror) January 31, 2026 – Rural communities across central Alberta stand to benefit from expanded high-speed internet access following a joint announcement by the Governments of Canada and Alberta. The initiative, part of the Universal Broadband Fund, encompasses 27 projects worth over $373 million, with connections expected in areas like Sylvan Lake, Bentley, and Blackfalds by late 2026 or early 2027. Federal, provincial, and private investments aim to bridge the digital divide, enhancing access to essential services for thousands of households.
This development marks a significant step in Alberta’s broadband strategy, addressing long-standing connectivity gaps in rural regions. As reported by rdnewsNOW staff in their article “Rural communities set to gain high-speed internet across central Alberta,” the funding breakdown includes nearly $137 million from the federal government, $112 million from the province, and $124 million from service provider partners. The projects target underserved areas, promising reliable internet that supports modern needs.
What Is the Universal Broadband Fund Delivering to Alberta?
The Universal Broadband Fund serves as the backbone of this expansion, funding infrastructure to reach remote and rural households. According to the official Government of Canada announcement, the 27 projects will deliver high-speed internet to multiple communities province-wide, with a strong focus on central Alberta.
Key partners include Missing Link Inc. and Xplore, selected for their expertise in rural deployments. As detailed by rdnewsNOW staff, Missing Link Inc. will contribute approximately $24.4 million to connect 1,559 households across 19 communities, explicitly naming Sylvan Lake and Bentley among them. This investment underscores a targeted approach to filling coverage voids in smaller towns.
Meanwhile, Xplore’s $13.5 million allocation targets fixed wireless services for 19,689 households. The rdnewsNOW report lists specific central Alberta locations: Bentley, Blackfalds, Sylvan Lake, Didsbury, Innisfail, Norglenwold, Olds, Penhold, Ponoka, and Rimbey, “among several others.” These efforts align with timelines set for completion by December 2026 or March 2027, ensuring swift rollout.
Who Are the Key Figures Behind This Broadband Announcement?
Government officials have voiced strong support for the initiative. Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development) for the Government of Canada, emphasised the urgency of connectivity. As quoted by rdnewsNOW staff, Belanger said, “in this day and age, everyone in Alberta should have access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet.”
Belanger further described the announcement as “a major milestone, and investments like these make a real difference in people’s lives, creating jobs, improving access to health care and online learning services, and keeping us connected to our loved ones.” This statement highlights the multifaceted benefits, from economic growth to social cohesion.
On the provincial side, Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation for the Government of Alberta, shared optimism in a media release cited by rdnewsNOW staff. Glubish stated, “When we launched our broadband strategy, we set an ambitious goal: ensure every Albertan – no matter where they are in the province – has access to reliable, high-speed internet.” He added, “This latest batch of projects brings Alberta to over 95 per cent of our goal and it shows just how far we’ve come. We are following through on our commitment to universal connectivity, and as more homes are identified, we will keep pushing until the job is done.”
Which Central Alberta Communities Will Benefit First?
Central Alberta features prominently in the project list, addressing a region known for its agricultural heartland and growing suburban areas. Communities like Sylvan Lake, a popular lakeside destination, and Bentley, a smaller rural hub, will see direct impacts from Missing Link Inc.’s efforts.
Xplore’s broader rollout extends to Blackfalds, a fast-growing bedroom community near Red Deer; Didsbury and Olds, agricultural centres; Innisfail and Ponoka, with their strong farming economies; Penhold, a satellite town; Rimbey, in the prairies; and Norglenwold, a resort village. The rdnewsNOW staff article confirms these as part of the 19,689 households targeted, noting “several others” for comprehensive coverage.
For the exhaustive community list, the Government of Canada website provides details, as referenced in the rdnewsNOW coverage. This transparency ensures residents can verify their area’s inclusion.
How Will These Projects Impact Daily Lives in Rural Alberta?
High-speed internet promises transformative effects. Belanger’s remarks, via rdnewsNOW, point to job creation through remote work opportunities, better telehealth for distant medical consultations, and enhanced online learning—critical for students in isolated areas. Families will stay connected via video calls, reducing the isolation often felt in rural settings.
Glubish’s comments reinforce this, framing the 95% progress as evidence of sustained commitment. In central Alberta, where farming and small businesses dominate, reliable broadband could revolutionise operations, from precision agriculture tools to e-commerce platforms.
What Funding Breakdown Supports These 27 Projects?
The $373 million total reflects collaborative financing. Federal funds at nearly $137 million come via Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, as per the official site. Alberta’s $112 million matches this through the Ministry of Technology and Innovation.
Service providers shoulder $124 million, demonstrating private sector buy-in. Missing Link Inc.’s $24.4 million and Xplore’s $13.5 million are standout contributions, but the full 27 projects involve additional partners not detailed in the rdnewsNOW report—likely outlined in government releases.
When Will High-Speed Internet Roll Out in These Areas?
Timelines are firm: most connections by December 2026, with others by March 2027. This accelerated schedule minimises disruption, allowing communities to plan ahead. rdnewsNOW staff note these deadlines apply to the listed central Alberta spots, aligning with seasonal considerations in a province prone to harsh winters.
Why Is Rural Broadband a Priority for Alberta and Canada?
Alberta’s vast geography has historically challenged connectivity, leaving rural areas behind urban centres like Calgary and Edmonton. Glubish’s “ambitious goal” addresses this disparity, pushing towards universal access. Federally, Belanger’s focus on equity ensures no Albertan is left offline in an increasingly digital world.
The strategy builds on prior investments, reaching 95% of targets. As more homes qualify, expansions will continue, per Glubish. This iterative approach promises long-term resilience.
How Do Service Providers Like Missing Link and Xplore Fit In?
Missing Link Inc. specialises in rural fibre and fixed wireless, ideal for Sylvan Lake and Bentley’s terrain. Their 1,559-household scope shows precision targeting. Xplore, with expertise in satellite and wireless, scales to 19,689 households across diverse sites, leveraging fixed wireless for cost-effective coverage.
Both firms’ investments—$24.4 million and $13.5 million—leverage public funds efficiently, as emphasised in the funding model.
In summary, this announcement propels central Alberta towards digital parity. Residents in Sylvan Lake, Blackfalds, and beyond can anticipate enhanced services soon. With officials like Belanger and Glubish championing the cause, and partners delivering, the province edges closer to full connectivity.
