Rural Internet Access Program

Rural internet road with transmission tower

Report gaps in service

Do you live in an area of rural Strathcona County where internet access is unsatisfactory or still not available? Let us know!

Call: 780-464-8024
Email: ruralinternet@strathcona.ca

High-speed internet access is increasingly important in everyday life, whether it’s required for school, business or even entertainment. Strathcona County has recognized that many rural residents within the County have unsatisfactory access to this service.

With its innovative Rural Internet Access Program, the County is enhancing internet access in hard-to-reach areas by adding local internet towers to boost signal reach.

Through this three-year program, the County offers incentives to internet service providers (ISPs) who build smaller internet towers in areas where there are gaps in service. The new towers - owned and maintained by the ISPs - act as a bridge between households and larger infrastructure towers, bringing high-speed internet access to areas that are without. Local ISPs work directly with landowners to install towers in areas designated by the County.

Information on this page

Map of internet tower locations (2.6 MB)

Rural Internet Access Program brochure (6.4 MB)

Tower locations

Thanks to the Rural Internet Access Program, internet towers have been installed and are operational, providing service to the following rural subdivisions and surrounding areas:

  • Antler Lake Community Hall - MCSNet
  • Antler Meadows - Syban
  • Belvedere Heights East - MCSNet
  • Belvedere Heights West - MCSNet
  • Birch Park Estates - MCSNet
  • Bristol Estates - Syban
  • Casswallen Crescent Acres - MCSNet
  • Century Estates - Syban
  • Century Meadows - Syban
  • Collingwood Cove - MCSNet
  • Colonial - MCSNet
  • Farrell Properties - Syban
  • Forest Hills Country Estates - MCSNet
  • Galloway Park - MCSNet
  • Glenwood Park Estates - MCSNet
  • Hyland Hills – Syban
  • Jaymoor - Syban
  • Lina Country Estates - MCSNet
  • Los Villas – Syban
  • Lueders Ridge - Syban
  • Mark IV Estates - Syban
  • McConnell Estates - Syban
  • Meadowbrook Heights - MCSNet
  • North Cooking Lake / Deville Community Hall - MCSNet
  • Parklane Estates - MCSNet
  • Patricia Glen - Syban
  • Phoa Subdivision - MCSNet
  • Queensdale Place (North and South) - Syban
  • Richlyn Estates - Syban
  • Roman Estates – Syban
  • Royal Estates - MCSNet
  • Shady Lanes  - MCSNet
  • Trans Oak Estates - MCSNet
  • Twin Island Park – Syban
  • Verden Place - Syban
  • Wellington Estates - MCSNet
  • Wildwood Village - MCSNet
  • Willow Road - MCSNet
  • Woodland Downs - MCSNet
  • Wye Knott Village - MCSNet

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Internet tower installs planned for early 2018 will service the following rural subdivisions and surrounding areas:

  • Best Estates - MCSNet application approved for nearby subdivision, tower install underway
  • Brecken Woods - MCSNet application approved for nearby subdivision, tower install underway
  • Camelot Square - MCSNet application approved, tower install underway
  • Colchester Lane -  MCSNet application approved, tower install underway
  • Donaldson Park - MCSNet application approved, tower install underway
  • Hansen Estates -  MCSNet application approved for nearby subdivision, tower install underway
  • Lynley Ridge - MCSNet application approved, tower install underway
  • Marvin Gardens - MCSNet application approved for nearby subdivision, tower install underway
  • Paso Valley Estates - MSCNet application approved for nearby subdivision, tower install underway
  • Portas Gardens - MSCNet application approved for nearby subdivision, tower install underway
  • Trevethick Park - MCSNet application approved, tower install underway

Equipment upgrades and improvements to existing towers have enhanced internet service, as well as extended service to additional residents, in the following areas:

  • Artesian Estates - MCSNet
  • Baronwood - Syban
  • Calebo Estates - MCSNet
  • Croftland Subdivision - MCSNet
  • Deer Horn Estates - MCSNet
  • Dowling Estates - MCSNet
  • Gray Drive - MCSNet
  • Gunnmanor Estates - MCSNet
  • Marler Subdivision - MCSNet
  • Parker Ridge - MCSNet
  • Parkwood Place - MCSNet
  • Partridge Hill area - MCSNet application approved, tower install underway
  • Pine Grove Acres - MCSNet
  • Sierra Grande Estates - MCSNet
  • Springhill Park - MCSNet
  • Spruce Bend Acres - MCSNet
  • Tanglewood - Syban
  • Voyageur Estates - MCSNet
  • Westpark Estates - MCSNet

Report gaps in service

Don't see your area in the tower locations listed above? Let us know!

To let us know if internet access is unavailable, or unsatisfactory, in your rural area: phone 780-464-8024 or email  ruralinternet@strathcona.ca.

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Project timeline

2015

  • Program research, plan and design
  • County works with local ISPs, and gathers feedback from residents, to identify areas where internet access is unsatisfactory

2016-2017

  • Information sessions throughout rural Strathcona County to share information about the program, and gather feedback from residents
  • Installation of internet towers, on a priority basis, throughout rural Strathcona County; all towers are expected to be installed by end of 2017

2018

  • Complete all tower installs delayed by process issues or weather
  • Develop program sustainment plan

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Partnership with Strathcona County Library

The County has partnered with Strathcona County Library to install internet towers at rural community halls where internet access is unsatisfactory. This is made possible through the Library’s Bookmobile sponsor, Shell Canada Ltd. Thanks to this initiative, visitors will be able to enjoy unlimited free internet access at these facilities.

Bookmobile Library patrons will gain access to the Library’s entire suite of digital content and programming (such as eBooks, and downloadable music and movies), and be able to log into their accounts in real-time. 

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Frequently asked questions

  • 1. Who do I contact for internet service in my area?

    Please contact the Internet service provider (ISP) directly to find out what plans and packages they offer. To determine which ISP is closest to your area, refer to the Internet Tower Location Map (PDF) at the top of this page.

    ISP contact info:

    MCSNet
    www.mcsnet.ca 
    1-866-390-3928

    Syban
    www.syban.net
    1-800-679-0345

  • 2. I'd like to volunteer to host a tower on my property. What do I do?

    Please contact Program Coordinator Kathi Day by phone 780-464-8024 or email ruralinternet@strathcona.ca and your information will be provided to the designated Internet service provider (ISP). Note that the contract is only possible between the ISP and the legal landowner.

  • 3. Why is the County providing financial incentives to Internet service providers?

    The County recognizes there are significant up-front costs for Internet service providers (ISPs) to install new towers in order to provide internet service in hard-to-reach rural areas where population is not as dense as in urban settings. By partnering with ISPs, the County is able to identify those rural areas with unsatisfactory internet access. Incentives provided to ISPs through the Rural Internet Access Program encourage local service providers to enhance and expand their internet service in rural areas where it is needed most.

  • 4. There is a tower near my home but I still can’t get reliable high-speed internet. What can I do?

    Unfortunately, geographical features such as hilly and treed terrain may prevent a wireless signal from reaching your home. If you have confirmed with local Internet service providers (ISPs) that they are unable to provide internet access to your home, you may want to consider other options such as installing an antenna or a small tower on your property, or going with a cellular data plan or satellite connection.

  • 5. If a new tower goes up near my home, will I need to change my Internet service provider?

    The County aims to limit the number of total new internet towers needed by encouraging the expansion of existing networks. It is very likely that the Internet service provider (ISP) installing a tower near your home is the same provider that you currently use. There are four ISPs operating in rural Strathcona County, with limited overlap in their service territories. In the case that your current ISP is different, there is no obligation to switch to another provider.

  • 6. I am reluctant to have a new tower installed in my subdivision or near my home. Will I be able to have a say in this?

    The County and Internet service providers (ISPs) are required to follow due process prior to the installation of a new tower. This includes notifying affected residents before proceeding, and addressing any issues and concerns. You can also contact Strathcona County by phone 780-464-8024 or email ruralinternet@strathcona.ca.

  • 7. What will the towers look like?

    Local internet towers are significantly smaller in size than the existing infrastructure towers. The towers are unsupported (not anchored by guy-wires). With a height range of 80 to 120 feet, they generally stand just above the tree line. 

    See photos of installed towers.

  • 8. Where will the new towers be located?

    The County is working closely with local Internet service providers (ISPs) to address the needs of the highest number of rural residents, as quickly as possible. ISPs work directly with landowners to install new towers in areas designated by the County. Residents will receive a notice in the mail letting them know if there are plans for a new tower in their area or subdivision. Visit the Rural Internet Access Program web page for updates on the status of planned tower locations, or call 780-464-8024.

Further information

Kathi Day
Program Coordinator
Rural Internet Access Program
Information Technology Services

Phone: 780-464-8024
Cell: 587-334-0950
Email: ruralinternet@strathcona.ca

Last updated: Thursday, March 01, 2018
Page ID: 37757