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MCSnet Stories

MCSnet expands into Saskatchewan with Fiber-to-the-Tower UBF Grant Projects

Image of an orange, diamond-shaped road sign that states: MCSnet Fiber Build in Progress.

On July 24, 2026, the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, announced  $2,812,842 in federal funding allocation for MCSnet. Supported by the Universal Broadband Fund, this grant will bring high-speed internet access to rural and remote areas in western Saskatchewan.

This initiative allows MCSnet to expand its high-speed internet footprint into Saskatchewan. By deploying transit fiber directly to towers in rural communities, the project ensures local residents will have access to reliable, fast internet services.

The specific communities within the MCSnet service area that will benefit include Lashburn, Maidstone, Waseca, Greenstreet, Hillmond, and surrounding areas. While MCSnet has served some of these locations for years, constructing a fiber optic backbone to these Saskatchewan towers and linking them to its larger, privately-owned network will make internet connections much stronger and faster.

Pull quote graphic that states: "MCSnet’s Fiber-to-the-Tower expansion will deliver fast, highly reliable internet access to underserved homes in rural Saskatchewan, courtesy of a dedicated, community-invested provider. As a family-owned company, based on the prairies, we have been serving rural communities with our innovative technology and exceptional customer service for over 30 years." - Jerome VanBrabant, Chief Projects Officer, MCSnet

“MCSnet’s Fiber-to-the-Tower expansion will deliver fast, highly reliable internet access to underserved homes in rural Saskatchewan, courtesy of a dedicated, community-invested provider. As a family-owned company, based on the prairies, we have been serving rural communities with our innovative technology and exceptional customer service for over 30 years.” – Jerome VanBrabant, Chief Projects Officer, MCSnet

Project plans are already underway with fiber and tower construction expected later in 2026.

Key Highlights

  • MCSnet will connect up to 1,145 underserved households with high speed internet access.
  • These connections will facilitate local business growth and increase property values.
  • MCSnet remains locally owned and operated in St. Paul, Alberta.
  • The Universal Broadband Fund is a $3.225 billion investment by the Government of Canada designed to help provide high-speed Internet access to 98% of Canadian households by the end of 2026 and achieve the national target of 100% access by 2030.
  • Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested more than $550 million in connectivity projects in Alberta.

Associated Links

Picture of Rhonda Lafrance

Rhonda Lafrance

Rhonda joined MCSnet in 2019 to lead the rebranding and marketing for the Alberta-based internet service provider. She is now part of the senior leadership team and as the Chief Marketing Officer, she oversees all marketing, sales, business development, and sponsorships/donations for the company. As a former newspaper editor, constituency office manager, and school board trustee, Rhonda understands the importance of communities and building relationships. Rhonda also owns a small business with her husband and has lived in the St. Paul area since 1996. She has two young adult sons attending post secondary schooling.