Review of Broadband Internet Availability in Alberta

Resolution Category Provincial Scope 8

Subject Economic

Year 2015

Status Adopted - Expired

Sponsor - Mover

Raymond, Town of

Okotoks, Town of

Pincher Creek, Town of

Stavely, Town of

Penhold, Town of

Cardston, Town of

Eckville, Town of

Fort Macleod, Town of

Delburne, Village of

Nanton, Town of

Claresholm, Town of

Milk River, Town of

Rosemary, Village of

Glenwood, Village of

Active Clauses

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association:

Establish a separate committee on Broadband to emphasize the importance of this issue;
Work with REDA’s and other organizations with similar objectives to advocate for affordable fibre optic internet access to all Albertans;
Continue to press the Alberta Government to move forward with a Broadband Policy that addresses the Action steps in 4.2 of REDAP.

Whereas Clauses

WHEREAS establishing a fibre optic network is essential for the provision of high speed internet services within the Province of Alberta and is a key element for future economic development and community sustainability;

WHEREAS the Province of Alberta has invested in a fibre optic system that covers the Province of Alberta;

WHEREAS the cost of access to Alberta’s fibre optic system continues to be cost-prohibitive to many urban and rural municipalities;

WHEREAS many communities continue to be underserved by other high speed internet providers;

WHEREAS Alberta SouthWest and SouthGrow Regional Alliances have studied and identified the lack of adequate internet speeds as a major deterrent to the future development of Alberta;

WHEREAS Strategy 4.2 of the Rural Economic Development Action Plan released in October 2014 specifically has 4 action steps to be undertaken to enhance technology infrastructure;

WHEREAS establishing a fibre optic network is essential for the provision of high speed internet services within the Province of Alberta and is a key element for future economic development and community sustainability;

WHEREAS the Province of Alberta has invested in a fibre optic system that covers the Province of Alberta;

WHEREAS the cost of access to Alberta’s fibre optic system continues to be cost-prohibitive to many urban and rural municipalities;

WHEREAS many communities continue to be underserved by other high speed internet providers;

WHEREAS Alberta SouthWest and SouthGrow Regional Alliances have studied and identified the lack of adequate internet speeds as a major deterrent to the future development of Alberta; and

WHEREAS Strategy 4.2 of the Rural Economic Development Action Plan released in October 2014 specifically has 4 action steps to be undertaken to enhance technology infrastructure.

Government Response

When AUMA's Executive Committee met with the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry in January 2016, we learned that responsibility actually lies with Service Alberta as they are working on a provincial strategy. The Minister could not provide any tangible actions, but suggested greater use of satellite technology.

The new ministry of Economic Development and Trade also has an interest in addressing broadband as it is a barrier to economic development. The ministry is developing a guide to educate municipalities on broadband access issues, including how to choose a service provider (e.g. private telecommunications company, Super Net, or municipally owned). Regional Economic Development Alliances are also being engaged in the development of this guide.

Justice and Solicitor General also has an interest in this matter given the public safety broadband spectrum and the Alberta First Responders’ Radio Communications System.

Given the siloed responsibility on this matter, it is difficult to move solutions forward.

Relevant files

ltr_to_cao_of_raymond_re_2015_expiring_resolutions.docx

Alberta Municipalities notes

AUMA considers this response.

AUMA wrote to the Minister of Service Alberta in March 2016 offering to host a symposium to provide an opportunity for federal and provincial leaders to dialogue with municipalities, economic development authorities, chambers of commerce and broadband service providers. This symposium, as well as further consultation with municipalities and the public, would help inform a needs assessment that would be very useful especially in regards to a tender for SuperNet management.

Click here to read our letter.