Frequently Asked Questions
Answering All Your Connect Questions
For Customers
How do I access Connect’s network in my community?
If you're currently in a Connect service area, or in an area scheduled for Connect access, you can sign up to have a fibre connection delivered to your home. Once you have a fibre connection, you can purchase internet services through a registered Retail Service Provider (RSP) serving your area.
What speeds are available and what are the benefits of fibre?
Connect offers a range of speeds up to 1 Gbps. The benefits of fibre include faster internet, greater reliability, and future-proofing your connection to handle increasing data demands.
What impact will construction have on my property?
Our construction process is designed to minimize disruption to your property. Any necessary work will be communicated in advance, and we will work with property owners to ensure the safety and security of their property.
When is Connect coming to my community?
Connect and our partners are currently working on fibre optic installations in our member municipalities of Red Deer County and the County of Paintearth. Keep an eye out for notifications that Connect is working in your area. Completing the Access Agreement online ahead of time will ensure you maximize your savings by being part of the initial installation.
How do I locate my underground fibre before digging?
Always check where the underground utilities are before digging! Please visit Alberta Utility Safety Partners (formerly Alberta One-Call) online to get a location.
For RSP
What is a Retail Service Provider’s role in Connect?
Connect builds and maintains an open-access, wholesale broadband network in our member communities and manages the construction and operation of that network. Retail Service Providers, or RSPs, provide retail internet services to end-users including residential, business, and industrial customers. RSPs provide customers with competitive rates and a variety of service offerings ensuring affordability and choice on the network.
How does Connect’s business structure work?
Connect is a municipally controlled corporation providing open-access, wholesale, high-speed broadband infrastructure, to serve communities and municipalities in rural Alberta. Connect is responsible for building and operating the infrastructure necessary to bring broadband to rural homes, farms, businesses, and industrial sites. Customers will need to purchase their internet service from one of the Retail Service Providers (RSPs) on Connect’s network, not directly from Connect.
What services do RSPs provide on the Connect network?
RSPs on Connect’s network will offer a variety of internet speeds and packages to customers as well as customer support and troubleshooting services. The type of services offered by the RSP and rates for services will vary, ensuring competitive options are available for customers accessing the Connect network.
What areas are currently served by Connect?
Connect currently operates broadband infrastructure in Red Deer County, the County of Paintearth, and the Village of Delburne.
How do I register to become a Connect RSP?
Learn more about how Connect supports RSPs and find out how to register to provide retails internet services on our network on our RSP page.
For Government
How do municipalities become shareholder-members of Connect?
We invite municipalities to reach out to the Connect Team, together we will explore how we can meet their unique needs, and enhance the network in their community. Contact us to learn more about the opportunities and process.
How does Connect’s business structure work?
Connect is a municipally controlled corporation providing open-access, wholesale, high-speed broadband infrastructure, to serve communities and municipalities in rural Alberta. Connect is responsible for building and operating the infrastructure necessary to bring broadband to rural homes, farms, businesses, and industrial sites. Customers will need to purchase their internet service from one of the Retail Service Providers (RSPs) on Connect’s network, not directly from Connect.
The communities that are owners of Connect share in ownership of Connect and also may hold a seat on the Connect Board of Directors. Connect’s member communities maintain control of the planning, development, and service targets for all network assets and infrastructure in their communities, while Connect builds and operates the infrastructure and handles the relationship with the retail service providers that provide access to the network for customers.
What is a Municipally Controlled Corporation?
According to section 75.1 of Alberta’s Municipal Government Act, a municipally controlled corporation is an entity that is controlled by a municipality or group of municipalities for the purposes of providing a regional municipal service or facility. Connect operates under a not-for-profit business model in which revenue generated is utilized to cover operating costs with any excess being reinvested into the infrastructure and services being provided.
How does Connect work with member communities?
Connect is responsible for construction, operation, and maintenance of broadband infrastructure. Through Connect, shareholder communities have the ability to define their service targets, priority areas for deployment, and development plans to best meet their public policy goals. Our Connect team brings broadband expertise and operating experience to ‘Fibre Working Groups’ within our member communities to plan infrastructure development, define operating standards, and handle the relationship with the retail service providers who provide access to the network for customers.
Does Connect meet federal rural broadband speed targets?
The Government of Canada has set a minimum broadband target speed for all Canadians of 50 Mbps download speed, and 10 Mbps upload speed. This target of 50/10 (upload/download) is known as the Universal Service Objective and is the minimum standard for any future broadband infrastructure and it is the goal of the federal government that all Canadians have access to this level of service by 2030. Connect offers access to speeds up to 1 Gbps upload, well exceeding the minimum standards.