High-speed internet access has been expanded to six new communities in the Kaslo area.
The Ministry of Citizens’ Services announced Thursday that network infrastructure is now complete for more than 330 households in Lower Kaslo Southeast, Argenta, Johnsons Landing, Shutty Bench, Zwicky Road and Allen Subdivision.
The internet offers speeds of more than 50 megabits per second for downloads and 10 Mbps for uploads from local service provider Kaslo infoNet Society.
“Ensuring access to high-speed internet for all British Columbians is a priority for government, and bridges the digital divide so people in rural and remote communities can have access to the connectivity they need to succeed,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services, in a statement.
“I’m excited to see how people in these communities will realize the benefits from the world of new opportunities that connectivity unlocks.”
The so-called last-mile network completes previous fibre work in the north Kootenay Lake area as well as for Woodbury Creek.
The $597,000 project was funded $337,400 by Kaslo infoNet Society and $259,600 from the provincial government’s Connecting British Columbia program.
“Broadband is becoming increasingly important to people in urban and rural areas alike. It’s essential for commerce, communication and community safety,” said Kaslo’s Mayor Suzan Hewat.
“Residents and businesses in Kaslo and Area D now have access to connectivity at a level of service enjoyed by larger urban centres, thanks to the steady efforts of the Kaslo infoNet Society, which the Village of Kaslo has been proudly supporting for years.”
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