New Hazelton and Lake Kathlyn will have improved access to faster internet speeds through investments with CityWest and the province.
The installation of the first direct fibre lines in both areas will improve the internet connection of over 1,100 rural households with speeds comparable to urban centres, according to the province.
CityWest Vice President of Sales and Project Manager Donovan Dias says the goal is to have fibre-to-home connection installed in the two areas by the end of the year. He says in New Hazelton they’ll be replacing their cable plan with fibre.
“In Lake Kathlyn, we don’t have any services there…it’s currently an underserved area in terms of what the CRTC(Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission) defines as the basic services that folks should be able to receive,” says Dias.
CityWest will contribute over $1.93 million to the projects for a total investment of more than $2.76 million. Through the Northern Development Initiative Trust, the province is shelling out over $828,000.
The province says CityWest’s projects complement other internet improvements being made by other service providers operating in the wider region.
“As part of our renewed #BCTECH Strategy, our government recognizes the importance of improving high-speed internet access provincewide. This funding will ensure Lake Kathlyn and New Hazelton residents can enjoy the same high speeds as bigger cities, providing improved access to government services, business opportunities and online learning,” says Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services in a released statement.