Xplornet Communications Inc., Canada’s largest provider of rural Internet services, announced July 28 that it plans to provide access to high-speed broadband services to 100% of Canadians living in rural areas by 2017.
The company, which is based out of Woodstock, New Brunswick, said services will include download speeds of up to 25 Mbps.
“We have heard for years that getting fast, affordable high-speed Internet to 100% of the country isn't possible - that the technology and dollars just are not there,” said Allison Lenehan, Xplornet president.
“Despite Canada’s massive geography and difficult topography, it will not matter where you live, even in the far north, we will deliver an Internet experience that can handle even the most speed-intensive online applications, and we'll do it for about the same price you would pay if you lived in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto or Fredericton.”
Chris Allen, president of B.C.-based ABC Communications, said, “[Xplornet] is definitely the most aggressive and well funded company in the country for rural broadband, so they’ve got the resources to launch the best stuff for satellites.
ABC serves rural areas in central British Columbia, from Osoyoos to Burns Lake.
Allen said ABC has an “interesting relationship” with Xplornet.
“We are an Xplornet dealer, so we do install their satellite where we can’t reach with wireless, but they are also our largest competitor,” he said.
Currently, ABC’s best speed is 10 Mbps but it is investing in LTE that can provide up to 100 Mbps.
“We know that rural British Columbians are demanding more and more of the same kind of speeds that urban British Columbians are receiving as everybody turns to online video and starts dumping their satellite or cable television plans in favour of Netflix,” Allen said.
Currently, many rural communities across the country are underserved in terms of high-speed Internet, due to prohibitive installation costs that can run as high as $1,000. However, the British Columbia government announced in April that it will be investing $2 million to make satellite Internet services cheaper, providing up to $250 for those who qualify.
-With files from Tyler Orton
