Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
About the Clearwater County Broadband Project
The Clearwater County Broadband Project was created to bring high-speed fibre internet to homes and businesses across the county. Fibre internet is designed to stay fast and reliable for decades – built to last.
Internet can be delivered a few different ways – through underground cables (fibre and copper), wireless towers, or satellite. Each option has different speeds, costs, and availability. A detailed explanation of the different technologies can be found at Why Fibre.
Private providers often cannot justify the financial costs of building in rural or low-density areas. The County’s involvement helps ensure long-term, reliable connectivity for residents and businesses. Clearwater County has been studying how to improve the availability and quality of internet access for more than two decades. To view the historical background of this project, please click this link March 2026 Quarterly Newsletter and visit pages 19-25 for further details.
Yes – the fibre network is owned by Clearwater County. Owning the network helps keep the infrastructure local and allows multiple internet providers to use the same network – ensuring residents and businesses can choose from the provider and package that is perfect for them. This is a community-owned network – not owned by a telecom company, and not run for shareholders.
No – the County does not sell internet service. Internet service will be offered by independent internet service providers (ISPs) that have joined the County on this project. Visit the Clearwater County website for the latest information on ISPs. Internet Service Providers
No – participation is optional. Residents and businesses can choose whether they want to have their property connected.
The project is built in phases based on funding requirements, construction logistics, and technical feasibility. Funding was granted based primarily on areas that did not meet the Canadian minimum service level for internet (50Mbps download and 10Mbps upload). This project is designed to build to those areas first, and then to possibly expand to areas that already meet the Canadian requirements if additional funding becomes available.
Project Timing and Availability
No – the project is being built in phases, based on funding requirements, construction logistics and technical feasibility.
You can enter your address at Project Status to see what stage of the project your area is in.
Costs and funding (General)
The project is funded through a mix of federal and provincial broadband programs and County investment. These programs help make fibre possible in rural areas. Full funding details are available on the Clearwater County website: How is the Project Funded
There are two costs to getting fibre internet at your property.
First, you need to connect the fibre line from the road to your property. This is called Fibre Connect. You’ll find the details and pricing in the Fibre Connect section below.
Second, you’ll pay a monthly fee to the internet provider you choose. Prices will vary depending on the provider and the package – such as internet speed, TV, or home phone options.
Fibre Connect (Connecting fibre to your property)
Fibre Connect is the process of connecting your home or business directly to the County’s fibre network. This connection allows you to choose an internet provider and have them provide service to your location.
No – Fibre Connect does not require you to choose an internet provider or service plan. Fibre Connect is the process of bringing the fibre infrastructure to your location. Once the infrastructure has been connected, you will be able to choose your provider and service plan
Without Fibre Connect, there will be no infrastructure for providers to provide you with internet service.
No – checking your address or selecting Fibre Connect does not require you to make any decisions or sign up for service.
After signing up for Fibre Connect, the County’s construction partner, AFL, will contact you to arrange a site visit
AFL will visit your property to complete an Access and Entry Agreement (AEA) and review the best and least intrusive way to install fibre. They will also discuss with you the best spot to have the outside utility box mounted which will connect to the inside equipment required to run services inside your property. Upon completion, they will provide you with a quote.
No – the quote is no obligation and is for informational purposes only. You can choose whether to move forward with the Fibre Connect process.
Fibre Connect construction depends on several factors such as your project phase, weather, and ground conditions. Construction begin in early 2026 and continue through 2027, depending on weather conditions, sign up rates, and other factors. AFL will explain timelines during the site visit.
Yes – there is a limited-time early bird rate available while construction continues on the Broadband project and will end March 31, 2027.
- $399 for the first 100 metres, plus GST
- $14 per metre after the first 100 metres, plus GST
The standard rate is $1,500 for the first 100 metres, plus GST.
Yes – you can secure the early bird rate for Fibre Connect now and choose an internet provider and package once service is available.
Prices are subject to change as the project moves forward. Early bird sign-ups will secure current pricing.
Fibre is traditionally installed underground and is designed to limit disruption. AFL will explain the process during the site visit.
No – installation only happens once you choose to proceed after reviewing your quote. Early bird sign-ups will secure current pricing.
A copy of your signed AEA is sent to the County office, who will issue an invoice to your property the month after the Fibre Connect construction is completed.
You can still show interest, but extra permission may be required later. Please inform your landlord, property manager, or your homeowner’s association about your interest.
Internet Service Providers (ISP)
No – you do not need to choose an ISP or service package until after the Fibre Connect process has been completed.
Yes – multiple ISPs have already joined the network, giving residents and businesses the ability to choose their provider once service is available at their property. More providers continue to join as agreements are finalized.
Visit the Clearwater County website for the current list. Internet Service Providers
Each ISP will have their own services, packages and rates available. Once you have selected a service provider, you will be paying them directly. Each provider will have their own terms and conditions, and we recommend that you compare multiple options to ensure you are getting the service that best fits your needs.
Yes – updates will be shared as providers and services become available. Please sign up for the Clearwater County Broadband e-Newsletters at the bottom of this website page. Clearwater County Broadband Home Page
Staying Informed
Project updates are shared through the County’s website and official communication channels, including Clearwater County Broadband e-newsletters. Residents and businesses are encouraged to subscribe to the Broadband Updates e-newsletter for the latest information.
Additional information is available on the Clearwater County Broadband Project page at Clearwater County - Broadband Project.
Residents and businesses can also submit questions through the program website. Contact Us
Broadband Committee meetings are live streamed for those who wish to follow project discussions and decisions. Meeting agendas and minutes are available at Clearwater County Council Minutes and Agendas