Public Private Partnerships

The only long term solution that actually solves the problems involves building the supporting fibre optic network infrastructure in our communities, which can contribute to the effective utilisation of new technologies. The availability and proliferation of fibre is a critical infrastructure element for our communities. This allows people to connect to other people. Users can extend their network at home to schools, libraries and medical facilities. Users can access telephone, video and of course literally thousands of other services on "The Internet". The global economic network represented by "The Internet" is the emergence of a new era of global competition and innovation.

The Alberta Government got involved by starting the Alberta Supernet connection to service public institutions of government, health and education. Unfortunately, the SuperNet has not yet been extended to provide the benefit of that connection to people in their own homes and businesses. Significant opportunities exist for municipalities to help fulfill the promise of the "Supernet" for all its citizens. The Alberta Supernet provides an excellent model to build on and learn from. Community Fiber To The Premise projects represent the completion and full realization of the benefits of fibre broadband for residential and business customers.

A number of municipalities across Canada and around the world are deploying fibre networks. It is clear that our municipalities and regional governments have a role to play in helping facilitate the private sector to build the next generation of network access infrastructure which will allow the people of our communities to have access to world–leading fibre optic networks.