Faster internet coming to Montana First Nation

Residents in Montana First Nation and Lacombe County will have greater access to high-speed Internet as a result of the Final Mile Rural Community Program. The program will assist with the construction of at least five new tower sites, one at Montana First Nation and four in Lacombe County, as well as other associated development costs such as electronic equipment necessary to complete the project. Montana First Nation Chief Darrell Strongman believes that improving access to high speed internet will be a huge step forward for his community. “The equipment will help open up new opportunities to Montana First Nation members, from staying connected with family to accessing education programs and operating an online business,” he said. The Final Mile Rural Community Program has invested more than $6.5 million to expand high-speed Internet service in remote and rural locations across the province since it began in 2012, including $140,325 for Montana First Nation and $500,000 for Lacombe County. The program covers up to 75 per cent of eligible Internet infrastructure expenses for municipalities, First Nations, and Métis Settlements. Alberta’s Rural Economic Development Action Plan lays out clear strategies and specific actions to support sustained growth in rural Alberta. The action plan focuses on five key themes: industry and business development; financial and capital access; attraction, retention and entrepreneurial development; rural business infrastructure capacity; and regional and cross-regional collaboration.