People and businesses in the Thompson-Okanagan region will soon have access to faster, more reliable internet through a joint investment by the federal and provincial governments to bring fibre-optic connectivity to more rural and Indigenous communities.
Through the Connecting Communities BC program and the federal Universal Broadband Fund, $63 million will support construction of a new fibre-optic network serving nearly 4,000 households in 50 communities.
The B.C. government said the $63-million funding commitment is part of a broader federal-provincial investment to improve network capacity and help close connectivity gaps for rural and Indigenous residents. The project will be led by Telus.
“High-speed internet is essential infrastructure for people to learn, work, connect, access health care and grow their businesses, no matter where they live,” Diana Gibson, Minister of Citizens’ Services said. “Through our partnership with the Government of Canada and Telus, we are expanding reliable connectivity across the regions like Thompson-Okanagan, ensuring more families, businesses and Indigenous communities can grow the region’s economy while benefiting from new opportunities close to home.”
Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby added that reliable high-speed internet helps people access services, pursue education, grow businesses and stay connected to their communities.
“Through this investment, we are helping more people throughout the Thompson-Okanagan region benefit from the opportunities that connectivity brings, while supporting stronger communities and local economies for years to come.”
Doug Haughton, director, Area L, Thompson-Nicola Regional District added that this investment highlights the strong partnership between the governments and the provincial and federal level.
“For our communities, including families, businesses and First Nations across the TNRD Grasslands, it means better connectivity and greater access to the opportunities that come with it,” he said.
Officials said the expanded network will improve access to health care, education, emergency services and economic opportunities. Construction is expected to be completed by 2029.
