Xplornet Communications receives major government subsidies to provide Internet service to rural businesses via satellite but it still isn’t affordable, according to Clearwater councilor Shelley Sim.
Speaking during a town council meeting held July 8, Sim said recent changes to how charges are calculated meant the Internet bill for her business last month was $272.
The bill for equivalent service in an urban area would have been a fraction of that, she said.
The cost and availability of Internet connection is one of the first things people ask about when they move to the community, Sim said.
Having adequate and affordable connections is essential for businesses today, she felt.
She was especially critical of a new $2 million subsidy program by the B.C. government to help rural businesses connect with Xplorenet.
“I sort of think it’s like they’re giving crack pipes to everyone. They give it to you for free and then charge you in the end,” she said.
Merlin Blackwell, who operates the campgrounds, etc. in Wells Gray Park, said he has several satellite installations for his business.
All are expensive to operate and becoming more so.
He felt the solution might be something like the northern tax credit to assist rural residents and businesses with the cost of Internet connectivity.
