Section 13 (page 187) of the 2018 SuperNet contract refers to support for broadband throughout Alberta, particularly in rural and remote areas of the province, that is required by the SuperNet contractor, Bell.

It specifically states that “Any utilization of [Government of Alberta] Network Infrastructure by the Contractor for providing products and services to Commercial Clients or for any other purposes not specified in the Contract must support the provision of broadband in Alberta.”

Further clauses spell out that the SuperNet is to be utilized for wholesale commercial services in the same way as other carrier class infrastructure. This clarifies that the SuperNet is to be utilized in a manner that gives a fair and competitive advantage to all ISPs in the province.

In addition, at the time of signing the 2018 contract, Bell was required to submit a “Plan for Alberta” document that outlined its commitments to supporting rural broadband. Bell’s rural broadband plan had to include:

  • Investments for expanding internet access at targets that meet or exceed 50/10 Mbps
  • A community-based plan for expanding internet access – 1 year horizon
  • A province-based plan for expanding internet access – 3 year horizon

Bell is required to provide annual updates to the government on the progress it is making on this plan.

At the time of signing the contract, Bell was also required to create a Contractor Contribution Fund, made up of a redacted percentage of its annual revenue, to support rural broadband in Alberta. Currently, there are  no publicly available plans on how the Contractor Contribution Fund will be spent, allocated or accessed.

Additional broadband support involved provisions for wholesale services in SuperNet facilities and at other locations to facilitate lower installation costs. Additional required supports include:

  • Bell is contractually obligated to support the provincial government’s priorities for broadband deployment in Alberta, with an emphasis on rural communities.
    • According to the contract these priorities include:
      • transport, middle mile, and final mile infrastructure
      • unserved communities, and indigenous communities
      • creating partnerships with existing ISPs and municipalities
      • creation and support of new ISPs
      • other opportunities (e.g. free Wi-Fi hotspots at community gathering places, sponsoring training, and other learning supports)
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