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Red Deer County investing in fibre optics

County investing $7 million over two years to improve Internet connections
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Red Deer County is proposing to invest more money this year to improve internet access.

A report going to county council on Tuesday suggests boosting this year’s budget to expand a fibre optic network to $4 million from $2 million. The additional money would come from $5 million that had been set aside in the 2021 budget for fibre optics.

The budget reallocation would give commercial, residential and agricultural customers better internet access.

“The build could connect as much as 10 per cent of the county’s population (about 20,000),” says a report to council from the county’s information technology manager, Darren Young.

“It would also help to facilitate the connection of internet-starved communities like Delburne, with the potential to add another 446 customers to the county’s network.”

Young says the key to a successful and sustainable communications network is its ability to expand.

“Increased funding to the 2020 budget will ensure this.”

Putting more money into the project this year will also boost the county’s chances of lining up grants, he suggests: “Most available funding is based on the size and scope of the project.”

Council will vote on the proposal at its Tuesday meeting.