Funding in Place for Northern Broadband Project

Funding in Place for Northern Broadband Project

Friday, January 07, 2005 at 13:25

 

 

A project that will see high speed Internet access developed in 35 northern Saskatchewan communities now has all the required funding in place.

 

The 11.6-million-dollar Northern Broadband Network initiative is getting $524,000 over the next two years under the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement.

 

The project has already received $3 million from Industry Canada, $2 million from the Northern Development Agreement and another $6.1 million from SaskTel.

 

Most of the communities that will benefit from this initiative currently lack the infrastructure needed for high-speed Internet service.

 

SaskTel will install, supply, maintain and own the infrastructure, and will provide training and employment opportunities for northern residents along the way.

 

Work is expected to be completed by late next year.

 

Environmental approval for the project is underway and is expected to be completed in the near future.

 

The new network is the brainchild of the Prince Albert Grand Council, the Meadow Lake Tribal Council and New North. The Keewatin Career Development Corporation is providing technical support.