WCG Secures $8 million from CRTC Broadband Fund

Westman Communications Group (WCG) has been awarded $8 million from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) Broadband Fund. This funding can potentially be used to bring fibre-based Internet to 16 rural communities in Manitoba, positively impacting nearly 1,500 households.

“We are taking action to help ensure that all Canadians have access to high-speed Internet,” said Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, CRTC. “The projects announced will bring fibre Internet to 16 rural communities in Manitoba. This will improve access to health care and other government services, support small businesses, and create new economic opportunities.”

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) launched the Broadband Fund in 2019 to help connect rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across Canada. Funding from the CRTC Broadband Fund is contributed to by large Canadian telecommunications service providers and is not derived from taxpayers. This additional funding will aid WCG in building over 300 kilometres of transport fibre infrastructure, further expanding the availability of reliable and high-quality Internet service.

“The ability to bring fibre-based technology to more communities can allow for improvements to communication capabilities. It enables businesses to grow and participate in the global economy and helps to improve essential services such as health care,” said Eagle J. (Bud) Keys, President and CEO of WCG. “High-speed Internet is essential to community growth and sustainability. As a local Manitoba Cooperative, we are dedicated to connecting the Manitoba area and would like to thank the Federal Government for their shared commitment to our goal.”

WCG services over 80 communities and will continue to ensure that under-served areas receive the connection typically reserved for major urban areas. To learn more about WCG and the services they offer, visit www.westmancom.com.