Parkland County recognizes the need for reliable and affordable high-speed broadband connectivity within the County.  Broadband is a necessity, not just for the County's needs, but also for our residents and businesses. 

What is Broadband?

Broadband internet describes highspeed internet at a minimum 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speed that can be accomplished in various ways, such as by using coaxial cables, fibre-optic cables, and radio waves. Access to high-speed internet is important for allowing residents to access information, consume media and work remotely. 

Latest Broadband Update:

November 2024: Based on the continued need for higher speed internet service in Parkland County, we continue to engage in implementing county-led programs, such as the upcoming Wireless Internet Rebate Program (see below). We are continuing to evaluate partnerships with other levels of government and various members of industry to improve internet service. 

Wireless Internet Rebate Program - Open December 2, 2024
In response to ongoing demand for wireless internet services, the County is subsidizing equipment and installation fees to remove barriers to quality service access for qualified residents. Effective December 2, 2024, residents may submit an application to receive a rebate of up to $1,000 for the hardware and installation costs for a new wireless internet connection. 

To be eligible for the rebate, residents must supply proof of a series of CIRA speed tests demonstrating speeds consistently below 50 mbps download/10 mbps upload, or declare an inability to establish a wired connection.

Funding is currently available for approximately 100 applicants and the program will conclude on or before Feb. 28, 2025, after which the program will be reviewed. The project team will continually monitor the trial program noting administrative demand, technical issues, and opportunities for improvement.

To apply, please visit the application web page: Wireless Internet Rebate Program (WIRP) | Parkland Countyfrom Monday, December 2, for full details and instructions for conducting your speed tests.

 

Past Broadband Updates, Programs, and Trials:

 

Satellite Internet Rebate Trial - Closed

In June 2023, Administration provided the Parkland County Council with the findings from the Starlink Trial, highlighting favorable results and a positive user experience with the Starlink Service. As a result, Council directed Administration to create a program that increases access to satellite internet services like Starlink. Under this direction, Administration has created the Satellite Internet Rebate Trial program. The rebate trial ran between January 8th and March 29th, 2024. Eligible participants received a letter to their mailing address notifying their eligibility for the program and provided steps to claim the one-time cost of purchasing high-speed satellite internet equipment (tax and shipping included) to a maximum of $1000.
Broadband Update 

Dec. 2023: Parkland County is working to better understand the broadband needs in the County. We are still actively engaged in this process by implementing county-lead programs like the Satellite Internet Rebate Trial, working with inter-governmental partners to gain grant funding, and communicating with various members of industry to identify unique solutions to broadband servicing. Providing county-wide access to broadband is a complex task and as such, timelines will be affected. We thank all residents and businesses for your patience.

Parkland County Starlink Trial

Update: Trial has been completed and reported to council.

in 2022, Parkland County launched a pilot program in on the use of Starlink internet satellite services within the County. The trial involved five different Starlink units at residential locations known for poor quality and limited access to wireless or fibre broadband services. A sixth system was activated as a baseline for the trial and as a comparison against each of the five other units. The trial ran for a 16-month period to evaluate services under different weather conditions. 

In June 2023, Administration provided the Parkland County Council with the findings from the Starlink Trial, highlighting favorable results and a positive user experience with the Starlink Service. As a result, Council directed Administration to create a program that increases access to satellite internet services like Starlink. Under this direction, Administration has created the Satellite Internet Rebate Trial program. 
Entwistle Fibre Infrastructure

The new fibre optic network is now operational for residents and businesses in the community of Entwistle. The internet service provider (ISP) O-NET offers various packages for ultra-fast internet, television, and phone services. O-NET provides installation, operations, and support for subscribers with their service packages. 

For more information on Entwistle service packages offered visit www.o-net.ca/entwistle or call 1-855-556-ONET (6638).

Parkland County Cellular Tower Infrastructure

Sale of the Towers

On July 14, 2020, Council approved the sale of the Parkland County tower assets. The County felt that an independent, specialized organization could better manage and enhance the existing infrastructure. 

On December 29, 2021, SBA Communications Inc. purchased the tower assets from Parkland County. For information on the collocation process with SBA, visit https://collocation.sbasite.com/ or call 1-800-487-SITE (7483).
Parkland County Universal Broadband Funding (UBF) Application

In March of 2021, Parkland County applied to the Universal Broadband Funding (UBF) through Canada Innovation Science and Economic Development (ISED) for funds to support the construction of fibre infrastructure in the rural western, underserved portion of the County. 

ISED continues to award telecommunication investment projects in rural and remote areas of Canada. Parkland County has not received an award or funding. 

Parkland County Broadband Assessment

In 2020, Parkland County completed an assessment of existing telecommunication fibre and wireless providers in the County with a focus on reliability, affordability, and quality of services. The assessment included a broadband survey throughout the County with a focus on the Acheson Industrial Park and the community of Entwistle. The information gathered identified a need for upgraded services in the area.

 Paul First Nation Broadband Assessment

Parkland County supported an assessment of the community broadband services and review of any future broadband infrastructure investments for the Paul First Nation community through a Western Diversification grant.

The information gathered identified a need for upgraded services and provided recommendations to seek future applications with federal funding entities for construction and implementation of fibre to the home programs. A high-level fibre conceptual plan and cost estimation was developed to support any future plans for improving Paul First Nation broadband services.