Piloting Starlink in rural Alberta

In an increasingly digital world, access to reliable, high-speed internet is more crucial than ever. It helps Albertans connect with family and friends and opens the door to a wider range of economic and educational opportunities.

Building on the goal to connect every part of the province to high-speed internet by 2027, Alberta’s government has launched a limited time pilot that will deploy satellite internet technology to some of the most remote and underserved communities.

As the federal government delays launching projects and allocating funding, Alberta’s government is taking action to explore new innovations and technologies, including satellites, to reach full connectivity by 2027.

Residents and businesses of County of Forty Mile, County of Warner No. 5 and Cardston County can apply to be part of the pilot, which will test the use of satellite internet technology instead of fibre and fixed wireless technologies.

“Advancing satellite internet technology in Alberta is an important milestone and an innovative way to achieve our goal of universal connectivity by 2027. Today, connectivity is everything and Alberta’s government is proud to provide rural Alberta with another option to eliminate the connectivity gap.”  

Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation
In addition to connecting more Albertans to the internet, the pilot will provide feedback that will help shape future programs to connect the hardest to reach and underserved communities. The pilot is limited to households and businesses located in specific areas in the counties where land-based internet infrastructure is not yet possible. Only underserved households and businesses within the designated areas who meet the criteria are eligible for the pilot.