Castor Set for High-Speed Internet Upgrade

Castor, Alberta, is poised to receive a significant boost in internet connectivity. A municipally-controlled corporation will be bringing fiber-optic internet to the community, promising faster speeds and enhanced digital access for residents and businesses alike.

Fiber-Optic Rollout Begins This Summer

The Connect corporation, in which Paintearth County holds shares, will initiate the fiber-optic project this summer. The endeavor will unfold across four phases. The initial phase will concentrate on the west side of Castor. Subsequently, the project will expand eastward, encompassing portions of the downtown area.

The subsequent phases will extend south of Highway 12 and then complete the eastern downtown section and the industrial sector. Because Paintearth County is subsidizing the initial installation, residents will not incur connection fees initially. However, delayed connections could cost thousands later, according to Connect staff.

“We’re pretty excited to bring high-speed internet to town,”

—Richard Elhard, Castor Mayor

The mayor also noted the county’s substantial funding role, emphasizing the benefits of widespread adoption.

Currently, approximately 86% of U.S. households have access to high-speed internet, though disparities persist in rural areas (Pew Research 2021).

Service Details and Agreements

Connecting to the service doesn’t obligate users to purchase it once live. It will be another utility option. The collaborative venture involves Paintearth County, Red Deer County, and the Village of Delburne. Rick DeZutter, Vice President of Operations, says three retailers will offer fiber-optic services, with Ed Griffiths and Vitalnet from Coronation serving Paintearth.

Castor residents can begin the installation process by completing access agreements. Contractors will perform back alley installs for residential properties whenever possible. They will use directional drilling or slit trenches to minimize topsoil damage.

Timeline and Next Steps

The Town of Castor will include access agreements with June utility bills. Residents can also obtain them at the Town office. Construction will likely start around July 7, with Phase One’s completion slated for mid-September. Phase Two might begin concurrently.

The project’s third phase may begin in 2025, contingent on financing, contractor availability, and weather conditions. Phase Four, which includes the eastern downtown area and the industrial section, is planned for completion in 2026. The initial activation and service acceptance for Phase One should occur by late September or early October.

While the external connection is free during the initial offering, there will be a charge to bring the service inside, alongside a monthly fee. Griffiths, owner of Vitalnet, is still finalizing the service installation and monthly charge rates.

Homeowners who return the access agreement will be contacted by the contractor to coordinate the optimal routing for service. Connect and Paintearth County hosted an information session at the Castor Community Hall on June 3, attracting about 30 attendees.

For additional information, please consult ruralconnect.ca.