Province offers satellite internet rebate for some rural Albertans

A new rebate is helping Albertans in remote areas gain access to high-speed internet.

The provincial government on Tuesday announced a one-time rebate of up to $1,000 for rural households to help cover the cost of satellite internet. It’s estimated about 10,000 households in the province are out of reach for current broadband expansion projects.

“Satellite technology has changed what’s possible for rural connectivity, and this rebate makes sure cost isn’t what stands between rural Alberta households and getting online,” said Technology and Innovation Minister Nate Glubish in a release from the province. “We’ve made significant progress in ensuring Albertans across the province can benefit from connectivity, regardless of where they live, and this rebate will help the remaining households in our most remote, rural and sparsely populated areas get online.”

Due to low population density or challenging terrain, satellite radio is often the only method for Albertans in these areas to connect to the internet. Rebate eligibility will be based on broadband availability data, which identifies areas that lack high-speed internet. The grant will cover up to $1,000 for satellite internet hardware, installation and applicable taxes and will be available until March 31, 2027. Purchases made since Aug. 11 from authorized vendors will also be eligible.

“Reliable internet access is essential for rural Albertans, and many households still face barriers to connectivity that existing federal and provincial initiatives have not been able to solve,” said Rural Municipalities of Alberta president Kara Westerlund. “The Alberta Satellite Rebate Program provides another pathway for those residents to get connected. The Rural Municipalities of Alberta welcomes this additional funding stream that seeks to bridge the gaps in existing government programs and connect more rural Albertans to high-speed internet.”

The province said Albertans can check their address at alberta.ca to see if they qualify for the rebate. Those who do not qualify can request a review through the online portal. The rebate is part of the province’s broadband strategy, which aims to bring high-speed internet to everyone in the province. The province and federal government have committed $755 million to projects expanding high-speed internet across Alberta.

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