The Town of Macklin will be getting improved internet speeds on March 15 from Access Communications. (Government of Saskatchewan/Submitted)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Download boost

Faster internet coming to Macklin in Mar

Feb 25, 2022 | 9:00 AM

Surfing the web is going to get easier in the Town of Macklin this spring.

Access Communications Co-operative announced Thursday that faster internet speeds are coming to both Macklin and Shaunavon, SK. The two projects are financed in part by the Government of Canada, through Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada’s Universal Broadband Fund (UBF).

In a statement, Access CEO Jim Deane acknowledged the residents of Macklin and Shaunavon’s need for improved performance. Per the release, download speeds will increase to as fast as 450 megabits per second (Mbps), a nearly fifty-fold improvement.

“The need for reliable high-speed connectivity has never been greater, and these network upgrades will help bridge the rural-urban digital divide,” he said. “This is a leap in technology, and proven one, having been deployed elsewhere in the province.”

These new AccessHyperSpeed services already launched in Shaunavon, while Macklin will follow on March 15. The projects are funded through Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada’s Universal Broadband Fund (UBF). The estimated cost for both communities is over $730,000, with UBF funding covering $528,909.

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Mayor Stephen Lowe for the Town of Macklin expressed Council and Adminstration’s excitement to see the expanded availability of high-speed internet within the community, noting the necessity for residents and business owners. Macklin has a population of a little under 1,500.

“We live and work in a fast-changing technological society,” he said. “Access to reliable internet services is a requirement for our families and businesses.”

According to Access, they deliver 300 Mbps download speeds to over 100 communities. The federal government’s recommended minimum is 50 Mbps.

Lowe also highlighted the importance of this kind of project for smaller municipalities thriving in the province. The upgrade increases the number of people who can work or attend school from home, participate in online meetings and more without consistent disruption.

“For rural communities, the internet is an equalizing factor towards attracting and retaining businesses and the families that support them,” Lowe said.

This past December, Access launched its HyperSpeed 1 Gig service in the Battlefords, ahead of other scheduled community launches in the next few months. Those download speeds are more than 900 Mbps, along with improved accessibility to video conferencing and streaming and other benefits.

Anyone in the Macklin area, and the North West region of Saskatchewan, who want to learn about Access Internet services, can visit myaccess.ca.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW