Calgary City Council Approves Community Broadband Expansion to Underserved Neighbourhoods
The initiative aims to bring high-speed internet access to 14 communities currently lacking reliable connectivity.
Calgary City Council has voted unanimously to approve a $12-million community broadband expansion project that will bring high-speed internet access to 14 underserved neighbourhoods across the city, marking a significant step toward closing the digital divide in Alberta’s largest city.
The plan, which was presented during Tuesday’s regular council meeting, outlines a phased rollout beginning in the northeast communities of Martindale, Taradale, and Saddle Ridge, where residents have long reported inadequate internet service.
Bridging the Digital Divide
“Access to reliable, affordable broadband is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity,” said Councillor James Whitfield, who championed the proposal. “Families in these communities deserve the same opportunities as those in any other part of Calgary.”
The project will leverage a combination of fibre-optic and fixed wireless technologies, with local internet service providers invited to participate through a competitive bidding process. City officials say construction is expected to begin by fall 2026, with the first neighbourhoods coming online before year-end.
Community Response
Residents in affected communities have welcomed the announcement. Amira Hassan, a parent of three school-aged children in Martindale, said the lack of reliable internet has been a constant struggle.
“My kids have had to go to the library just to do their homework,” Hassan told WestNet News. “This will make a real difference for families like mine.”
The federal government is expected to contribute matching funds through the Universal Broadband Fund, potentially doubling the project’s reach. Alberta’s Ministry of Technology and Innovation has also signaled support for the initiative.
What’s Next
Council directed city administration to return with a detailed implementation plan within 60 days, including a community engagement strategy to ensure residents have input on the rollout priorities.
Local internet service providers, including WestNet Wireless, which has been providing fixed wireless broadband to Calgary communities since 2003, are expected to play a key role in the rollout. WestNet Wireless has already deployed community Wi-Fi networks in several underserved areas through its own infrastructure.
The broadband expansion is part of Calgary’s broader Digital Equity Strategy, approved in 2025, which identified internet access as a key factor in economic participation, education, and social inclusion.
