NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services
2017MTICS0020-001065
Northern Development Initiative Trust
April 5, 2017
Improved high-speed Internet benefits Copper Creek residents
KAMLOOPS ʹOver 500 residences and businesses in Copper Creek will be better able to access
faster Internet speeds, thanks to the B.C. government's $101,963 investment in a new
connectivity project that will soon get underway by ABC Communications.
Local Internet service provider ABC Communications will match the Province͛s funding for a
total investment of $203,926. The provincial portion is being provided through the Connecting
British Columbia program, administered by Northern Development Initiative Trust.
Over 500 rural households and businesses will have better opportunities to learn, do business,
access services and stay connected through ABC͛s technology upgrades and network coverage
expansion. ABC's project builds on its previous high-speed wireless deployments launched in
2014, and complements other Internet improvements being made by other Internet service
providers operating in the wider region.
Connecting British Columbia is a multi-year grant program to support new and upgraded
backbone and last-mile infrastructure projects in rural and remote communities in B.C. to drive
innovation, regional growth and the creation of new jobs. The program can be used for new
Internet connections and to upgrade existing Internet connections, for local Internet
infrastructure builds and for new pathways.
As part of its Rural Economic Development Strategy, the Province recently announced a further
investment of $40 million to the Connecting British Columbia program for a total of $50 million,
to help regional Internet service providers, Aboriginal organizations, local governments, and
other organizations to expand or enhance Internet connectivity in currently unconnected and
underserved areas of B.C.
This additional funding aligns with the Province͛s #BCTECH Strategy to bring the province closer
to 100% high-speed connectivity and help eligible B.C.-based Internet service providers
leverage the new federal $500-million Connect to Innovate program to maximize funding
available for rural connectivity projects.
Quotes:
Terry Lake, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson ʹ
͞We͛re helping ABC improve wireless high-speed Internet access in Copper Creek, near
Kamloops, by investing $101,963 through the Connecting British Columbia program. These
upgrades will make it easier for residents to stay connected, so they can access government
services, online education and business opportunities now and in the future.͟
Joel McKay, Northern Development Initiative Trust CEO ʹ
͞Northern Development is proud to partner with the Province in the delivery of broadband
Internet services to more than 500 customers in the rural community of Copper Creek. This
project provides the necessary infrastructure to allow new opportunities for community and
economic development.͟
Bob Allen, ABC Communications CEO ʹ
"We see an ever-increasing demand for video services over our networks ʹwith these
expansions we will be able to deliver these services to our customers more affordably. By
bringing 4G LTE to rural Kamloops, we͛re providing the community with the next wireless
broadband standard for wireless Internet service providers in Canada."
Quick Facts:
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Under the Connecting British Columbia program, nearly $10 million has been allocated to
more than 25 projects that will improve or expand Internet services in over 200
communities around the province.
To date, more than 40,000 households have benefited from the Connecting British
Columbia program.
Learn More:
Connecting British Columbia program: http://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/fundingprograms/business-development/connecting-british-columbia
#BCTECH Strategy: http://bctechstrategy.gov.bc.ca
Rural Economic Development Strategy:
https://bcjobsplan.gov.bc.ca/app/uploads/sites/21/2017/03/BCRED_Strategy_FINAL.pdf
ABC Communications: https://www.abccommunications.com
Northern Development Initiative Trust: http://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca
Interactive and searchable map showing broadband availability in B.C.:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/about-the-bcgovernment/communications-technology/internet-in-bc/network-bc-connectivity-map
Contacts:
Joanne Whittier
Communications Manager
Ministry of Technology, Innovation and
Citizens' Services
250 387-0172
Kim Hayhurst
Director, Marketing and Communications
Northern Development Initiative Trust
250 561-2525
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect