Canada Infrastructure Bank and Arrow Technology Group partner to bring Indigenous-owned broadband infrastructure online in Alberta

Construction is underway to connect 20 Indigenous communities and 4 rural communities to high-speed service
the Internet

EDMONTON, Alta., January 19, 2023 /CNW/ – The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and ATG Arrow Technology Group Limited Partnership (Arrow) have formalized their agreement for CIB to lend $8.1 million towards new broadband infrastructure serving Indigenous and rural communities alberta. The investment is part of CIB’s Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative, which offers lending solutions to accelerate Indigenous infrastructure projects.

The new broadband service will fill a gap in infrastructure by connecting underserved households in 20 Indigenous communities and 4 rural communities. Under the terms of the agreement, Arrow is responsible for all aspects of building, installing, operating and maintaining the new broadband service. Construction activities have already begun to build the infrastructure needed to support equitable access to online education, public services and e-commerce.

CIB funding is in addition to grants from:

• Government of from Canada Universal Broadband Fund Rapid Response Window
• Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Broadband Fund
• Connect to Innovate from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Indigenous communities benefiting from broadband include Treaty 8 and 6 First Nations, as well as Métis settlements, marking CIB’s first investment to address infrastructure gaps within Métis communities.

Due to low population density and the current lack of broadband infrastructure in rural areas, the cost of connection per household is very high. CIB’s funding rates allow broadband connectivity to grow faster in unserved and underserved communities, while allowing Arrow to charge affordable rates to its indigenous and rural customers.

Fast facts:

• The infrastructure to be deployed consists of building a fiber optic backbone and a series of entirely new “last mile” projects to connect homes.
• The broadband service will offer speeds of 50 to 300 Mbps and unlimited data, improving telecommunications services for residents, businesses and the delivery of public services.
• Under the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative, the CIB invests in community projects that provide a service and direct benefit to one or more Indigenous communities to help address the infrastructure gap.

Amendments

“As part of CIB’s Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative, our $8.1M investment with Arrow Technology Group enables majority First Nations-owned company to expand operations and services to 20 Indigenous communities and 4 rural communities in alberta. New broadband access will bridge the digital divide, create new economic opportunities, and support public services like health and education while strengthening communities.”
Ehren CoryCEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank

“Arrow Technology Group is dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities by bringing high-speed connectivity to their regions. We recognize the importance of bridging the digital divide and are committed to providing access to the tools and resources needed to succeed, by creating new educational, social and This collaboration with the Canada Infrastructure Bank will allow us to connect more Indigenous and rural communities alberta high-speed Internet.”
Vaughn PaulPresident, Arrow Technology Group Limited Partnership

“The Internet has the power to equalize access to resources and knowledge for Indigenous communities. The success of these projects, enabled by the Canada Infrastructure Bank and Arrow Technology Group, will have a lasting impact. By providing access to the same resources and opportunities as the rest of albertawe can open a door to a brighter future for those who have been left behind.”
Georges Arcand Jr., Boss of Alexander First Nation

“Our government recognizes that high-speed Internet is no longer a luxury, but a need. More and more services are now online, and a reliable connection is needed for all Canadians to access government services, pay bills and talk with family and friends. Today’s announcement helps close the connectivity gap experienced by many rural Albertans and Indigenous communities while providing well-paying jobs. »
The Honorable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honorable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

Learn more:

www.cib-bic.ca
www.atg.net

SOURCE Canada Infrastructure Bank

For further information: Media Contacts: Canada Infrastructure Bank, [email protected]; Monica Burman, Arrow Technology Group, [email protected]