Broadband investment will connect Tsuut’ina Nation

Press Release

Alberta’s economy has momentum and we are focused on even more job creation and diversification as we continue to be the economic engine of Canada. Reliable, high-speed internet is an integral part of that equation. As more aspects of our lives move into the digital space, staying connected is more important than ever.

Improving that connection is critically important for the Tsuut’ina community, where only about 35 per cent of households have access to high-speed internet. This has resulted in oversubscription and low data limits making the service unusable. Once this new infrastructure is complete, all households in the community will see improved connectivity.

“This investment is life changing for Tsuut’ina, which has struggled with slow internet speeds and low data caps for too long. Access to reliable high-speed internet will give families and businesses access to the tools and resources they need to compete and thrive in our increasingly digital world. Alberta’s government is proud to support this community through the Alberta Broadband Strategy.”

Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation

“We all know that Internet is no longer a luxury in this day and age—it’s a necessity. Access to fast, reliable Internet helps Indigenous communities by levelling the playing field so they can access essential services like health care and education, participate in the digital economy, or simply connect with loved ones. Our government will continue to work side by side with our partners to achieve our connectivity targets and ensure every Canadian, no matter where they live, has access to high-speed Internet by 2030.”

Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development

The joint investment, coupled with $300,000 in additional funding from Tsuut’ina Nation, will result in the nation acting as its own service provider. Partnering with Indigenous communities in this way is a meaningful step toward reconciliation; providing important infrastructure as well as social and economic opportunities.

“When there is an essential service that is required, and the business community cannot supply it, then it is the proper role of government to step in and provide the funding to make the infrastructure possible. Broadband is no longer a “nice-to-have”. It is critical for business and education. This contribution will be transformative to many Tsuut’ina families.”

Chief Roy Whitney, Tsuut’ina Nation

In March, Alberta’s government released its Alberta Broadband Strategy, which aims to connect every Alberta household to high-speed internet by the end of the 2026-27 fiscal year. It will power education, workplaces, and homes across the province, and will deliver access to the connectivity that supports livelihoods and makes life better for hard-working Albertans.

From education to health care, to agriculture and small business, connectivity will help Albertans interact with the global marketplace, use innovation to develop local solutions, and help diversify our economy.

Quick facts

Each government is committing $1.3 million for a total of $2.6 million to connect 183 households for the first time and will improve services for an additional 400 households in the community.
Alberta’s Broadband Strategy is expected to generate up to 1,500 jobs during infrastructure deployment.
Within three years of achieving universal coverage and adoption of services, the following economic outcomes are expected:
- up to $1.7 billion in annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth;
- up to five per cent GDP growth in the agricultural sector resulting from adoption of agricultural technologies;
- up to 2,000 long-term service industry jobs may be created in rural communities;
- up to 40,000 Albertans without access to a primary health care provider may have improved access to telehealth, and the cost to deliver those services will be reduced; and
- more than 120,000 students will have improved access to remote education.
Data analyzed during development of the Alberta Broadband Strategy estimated that:
- Approximately 489,000 Albertans living in 201,000 households lack access to federal target speeds of 50 megabits per second (Mbps) downloads and 10 Mbps for uploads.
- Approximately 80 per cent of Indigenous communities and 67 per cent of rural and remote communities do not have access to reliable, high-speed internet.