MP Viersen says he will push the federal government to make broadband internet more available in rural communities

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Peace River-Westlock MP Arnold Viersen says the federal conservatives want to see rural communities get more connected.

In 2015, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) declared broadband internet an essential service.

The CRTC felt the speeds should be at least 50 megabytes per-second (MBPS) for downloading and at least 10 MBPS.

Viersen says he is bringing up the issue again because he feels the liberals have not addressed this.

“I hear regularly from residents who know all too well the challenges to access suitable internet in rural communities,” says Viersen.”

It is an issue that has been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, as more and more kids are completing schoolwork online and adults are working remotely. It’s an issue that Justin Trudeau promised to address, but so far, there has been little progress.”

Viersen says he did several round-tables throughout the riding and one common theme that was brought to his attention was that major services providers are trying to push out the competition.

“One of the challenges we have is big companies come in and buy the spectrum, mostly just to prevent their competition from buying it up,” explains Viersen.

“What ends up happening is we have small local internet service providers that would love to use that spectrum, but can’t compete to buy the spectrum with the likes of Telus and Shaw, for example.”

Viersen says the solution is to make companies that buy the spectrums be forced to use them.

“If we can change that spectrum auctioning system so that it must be used – you can’t just buy it and sit on it – that would help a whole bunch,” suggests Viersen.

Viersen also tells the Trending 55 Newsroom that municipal politicians are the ones expressing the most concern with the lack on internet connectivity.

“Municipal governments keep telling me it is hard attract businesses to our region given the fact that the internet can be one of the biggest considerations when companies are considering placing a facility in any given location,” recalls Viersen.

“The internet becomes a major player in that decision.”

The second-term MP is also encouraging residents to reach out to his office for additional feedback he can present to the government.

“I urge residents and businesses to get in touch with my office regarding our rural internet access consultations,” concludes Viersen.

“This is a chance for those of you who have been living with this issue to have your voices heard. I know there are some innovative and common-sense ideas that will come from our community and I am looking forward to putting these ideas before the government in the future.”

Click here to learn more about the issue regarding broadband internet access in rural and remote communities.

Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom

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