Residents throughout the Shuswap will soon have faster Internet access, thanks to the B.C. Broadband Satellite Initiative, MLA Greg Kyllo announced recently.
He says the B.C. government is committed to spending up to $2 million to make access to satellite-based high-speed Internet more affordable for British Columbians in remote areas who don’t have access to traditional broadband Internet.
“Without a doubt, so much of our day-to-day communication takes place through the Internet,” Kyllo said. “Connecting all rural and remote British Columbians to high-speed Internet by 2021 is a priority for our government. This announcement is certainly a big step towards achieving this goal.”
Residents will be eligible for the initiative in communities throughout the Shuswap include Sorrento, Tappen, Blind Bay, Eagle Bay, Lee Creek, St. Ives, Anglemont, Magna Bay, Scotch Creek, Celista, Salmon Arm, Canoe, Sicamous, Malakwa, Mara, Swansea Point, Grindrod, Falkland and Armstrong.
The program is the result of a partnership between the provincial government, Xplornet Communications and local installers.
British Columbians who don’t have traditional wireless or landline broadband solutions available can receive funding assistance of up to 50 per cent of installation and set-up costs, up to a maximum of $250.
“Our government’s goal is to see every British Columbian have access to affordable high-speed Internet by 2021,” says Kyllo.
To learn more about the program, call 1-866-841-6001 or visit Xplornet.com.
To learn more about NetworkBC visit: Network.gov.bc.ca