INTERNET UPDATE on Connect to Innovate Grant
As many of you may remember, in the spring of 2018, Rigstar Communications received a federal grant called the Connect to Innovate grant to improve internet service in the area of Kew (click here for the original post).
Since then, I have been working with them to find suitable locations for them to put their towers. On Aug 21/19, I met once again with representatives from Rigstar and they had good news for us. At long last, they have found the suitable spots.
They are excited to get moving on this and are looking to do some public engagement in the area. I have suggested the host open houses at the Square Butte Hall and Millarville Racetrack to connect with residents. Shortly thereafter, they will make application to Foothills Council for the towers.
I know it has been a long time coming, there is still a bit to go but a least things look positive. Keep watch here and on my Facebook page as further information comes out regarding dates for the open houses.
Meeting with Minister of Service Alberta
Since then, I have been working with them to find suitable locations for them to put their towers. On Aug 21/19, I met once again with representatives from Rigstar and they had good news for us. At long last, they have found the suitable spots.
They are excited to get moving on this and are looking to do some public engagement in the area. I have suggested the host open houses at the Square Butte Hall and Millarville Racetrack to connect with residents. Shortly thereafter, they will make application to Foothills Council for the towers.
I know it has been a long time coming, there is still a bit to go but a least things look positive. Keep watch here and on my Facebook page as further information comes out regarding dates for the open houses.
Meeting with Minister of Service Alberta
The same day as my meeting with Rigstar, I had the opportunity to meet with Nate Glubish, Minister of Service Alberta and discuss internet and Alberta's strategy to meet the mandated federal guidelines.
Some of you may know that the Federal Government has mandated the following:
- By 2021 - 90% of Canadians to have download speeds of 50 Meg
- By 2030 100% of Canadians to have download speeds of 50 Meg
Minister Glubish stated that at this point, the Federal government does not have a strategy in place to make this happen. Currently, he went on to say the 80-82% of Alberta residents reach these speeds (obviously in the urban centres).
He also mentioned that Alberta has not made much headway as of late as the previous government had no strategy in place either so they are playing catch up.
Obviously, with the state of finances of the Provincial government at this point, he was very clear that there was not going to be any direct funding to projects in the immediate future. That said, they are working with the Federal government to have the over $1 billion investment in infrastructure for the Alberta SuperNet recognized so that the Province could potentially receive some funding that way.
In addition, the Ministry is open to suggestions and opportunities to provide non-financial resources including collection of information. He emphasized his goal to build a strategy with us and is very open to communication to do it.
As always, if there is anything that you would like me to include in my updates, just let me know by sending me a message on Facebook or sending me an email. I always want to keep you up to date on the latest happening in our community.
All the best,
Jason Parker
Councillor – Division 3
Foothills County
P.S. If you are a resident and are on Facebook, be sure to “Like” my page (www.FB.me/JasonParkerMD31) and share with other residents to be kept up to date on the latest goings on in our area.
- By 2021 - 90% of Canadians to have download speeds of 50 Meg
- By 2030 100% of Canadians to have download speeds of 50 Meg
Minister Glubish stated that at this point, the Federal government does not have a strategy in place to make this happen. Currently, he went on to say the 80-82% of Alberta residents reach these speeds (obviously in the urban centres).
As always, if there is anything that you would like me to include in my updates, just let me know by sending me a message on Facebook or sending me an email. I always want to keep you up to date on the latest happening in our community.
All the best,
Jason Parker
Councillor – Division 3
Foothills County
