Richard Froese
South Peace News
A study to build broadband to the High Prairie region and northern Alberta has been launched with opportunity for community consultation.

The Northern Alberta Broadband Preparedness Project will be presented at an information session in High Prairie on Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at a location to be determined.

“We have now embarked on our broadband study for northern Alberta and public participation and information is critical to the success of the project,” says Linda Cox, general manager of the Lesser Slave Lake Economic Alliance, one of the partners.

Cox would like to see 15-18 people attend.

“As a key stakeholder, their input is critical to the successful completion of this phase,” says Cox, who also serves as the mayor of the Town of High Prairie.
“Their thoughts regarding the current service levels and pricing in their community, including any broadband initiatives they have undertaken either on their own or in collaboration with their neighbours, as well as any issues or constraints they are aware of, will be most helpful.”

Anyone interested in participating, may email Cox at admin@lslea.ca.

A northern Alberta broadband strategy and case study will be developed by the Northern Alberta Development Council, northern regional economic development alliances and other communities.

A proposed strategy will be presented with community consultation in early 2017.

The four-phase study will progress from developing a strategy to a business case.

Phase 1 will assess the current state of regional/local broadband infrastructure and services in each municipality, First Nation, and Métis Settlement.

Phase 2 will develop a view of the desired future state.

For more information, visit www.nadc.ca