People in more than 130 households on Westham Island now have access to reliable high-speed internet service, the province announced this week.
“Quality high-speed internet access can be a game-changer for farms on Westham Island by making it easier to do business online. I am excited for people in this scenic community to enjoy the many opportunities unlocked through better connectivity,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens' Services, in a news release. “The completion of this project takes us forward another step in our commitment to connect every community in B.C. by 2027.”
The province notes that with the installation of new last-mile infrastructure on Westham Island, service provider Telus is providing faster broadband speeds in the community, delivering improved access to digital services, educational resources, and local and global economic opportunities.
“Access to reliable high-speed internet services on Westham Island marks a significant milestone for our community," said Delta Mayor George Harvie. “This enhanced connectivity not only supports our local businesses and farms, but also enriches the lives of residents by opening doors to new resources. We're grateful for the investments made by the Government of British Columbia and Telus, which reflect our shared commitment to bridging the digital divide and building stronger, more connected communities.”
The total cost of the project is approximately $529,000 with the province investing as much as $320,000 through the Connecting British Columbia program, administered by Northern Development Initiative Trust. Telus contributed approximately $209,000.
In March 2022, the province entered into an agreement with the federal government to invest $830 million to finish the job of connecting all households in B.C. to high-speed internet services by 2027.
