Agreement will Make High‑Speed Internet Available to Over 3,500 Households: Moroz
The Manitoba government is advancing its commitment to expand high‑speed internet access across the province by enabling Valley Fiber Communications LP to provide a major expansion of broadband services in underserved Northern communities, Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development and Mike Moroz, minister of Innovation and New Technology announced today.
“For Canadians, reliable and affordable high-speed internet means opportunity. It means families can stay connected, students can learn, businesses can grow, and people can build for the future.” said Belanger. “Complementing the federal Universal Broadband Fund, this partnership will help level the playing field and ensure communities across northern Manitoba have access to the tools they need to succeed.”
Under a directive from Manitoba, Manitoba Hydro will grant Valley Fiber access to previously underutilized capacity on its existing fiber optic network for a period of up to 20 years. This access will allow Valley Fiber to fulfill commitments under its successful Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) application and deliver high speed broadband to communities that currently lack reliable service.
“Reliable high-speed internet is essential infrastructure for education, health care, business, and everyday life,” said Moroz. “Too many Northern communities have waited far too long for the level of service other Manitobans take for granted. By unlocking unused provincial fiber capacity and partnering with a Manitoba based provider, we’re accelerating progress that translates into real, tangible benefits for Northern families.”
Strengthening broadband and cellular connectivity, particularly in Northern Manitoba, remains a key priority for the province’s economic development strategy. Access to Manitoba Hydro’s fiber infrastructure will enable Valley Fiber to connect or improve broadband service for more than 3,500 households across 11 communities, at no cost to Manitoba Hydro ratepayers.
“Valley Fiber is proud to be working with the Governments of Canada and Manitoba on this important step to connect communities across our province with high-speed internet, as we build on our existing network and long-term commitment to rural Manitoba,” said Ryan Klassen, Valley Fiber CEO. “This announcement will connect First Nations communities and rural Manitoban communities to high-speed internet, allowing them to access essential services like education and health care while accelerating economic development in these regions.”
Lessons learned from a previous directive have informed the negotiation of this new conditional right‑of‑use agreement, ensuring stronger protections for Manitoba’s interests and clarity for all parties, minister Moroz noted.
For more information on the communities involved, please go to: https://valleyfiber.ca/fiber-expansion/2026-expansion/
