2,534 households in the Basin have improved internet services thanks to upgrade projects this spring
Over 2,500 households in several small and rural Basin communities now have enhanced internet services as a result of projects completed quickly this spring in partnership with the Province, Basin internet service providers (ISPs) and Columbia Basin Trust.
“At no time in the Basin has internet connectivity been more critical to our lives and livelihoods than during the last seven months,” said Johnny Strilaeff, President and Chief Executive Officer, Columbia Basin Trust. “We are pleased to support the efforts of so many skilled and dedicated local IPS’s who are working hard to bring reliable internet services to rural and underserved communities in our region as we continue to respond to the impacts of COVID-19.”
Eleven projects were undertaken by 10 Basin ISPs as part of the Province’s COVID-19 Response Intake through the Connecting British Columbia Program to ensure that more people have access to the connectivity they need. Projects received up to $50,000 or 90% of their project costs. The Trust provided an additional $227,400 for these 11 projects.
Work completed included equipment upgrades to electronics, antennas and other equipment that directly supported and enhanced capacity, performance and/or the range of the network for the following Basin communities:
| ISP | Communities | Number of Households |
| Burton Internet Society | Burton, Arrow Park | 100 |
| Columbia Wireless | Slocan Valley, Ymir | 450 |
| Edgewood Community Internet Society | Edgewood, Fauquier | 480 |
| FlexiNET Broadband | Kimberley, Six-Mile | 60 |
| Peak Broadband Solutions | Field | 85 |
| South Kountry Cable | Jaffray | 575 |
| Swift Internet | Wynndel | 279 |
| Swift Internet | Arrow Creek | 120 |
| Tough Country Communications | Elkford, Sparwood, Kragmont, Wardner | 191 |
| Trout Lake BC Internet Society | Upper Arrow Lake communities | 137 |
| Wink Wireless | Brisco, Spillimacheen | 57 |
Since 2013, the Trust has been working with local and provincial government and internet service providers to build a high-speed network and connect Basin communities to each other and the world. Learn more about what the Trust is doing to support connectivity in the Basin.
Read the full media release here.