I've known about this for quite a while now, but only recently read some more details about it. Really, a noteworthy project that the Alberta government started up almost 5 years ago that today has fiber in 80% of the province.
Quote:
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Alberta SuperNet is a broadband network linking approximately 4,200 government, health, library and education facilities in 429 communities across the province at affordable and sustainable costs to the Government of Alberta. Additionally, Alberta SuperNet creates a competitive market for the delivery of broadband services by private Internet service providers throughout the province to rural retail customers. Alberta SuperNet is comprised of a Base Area Network, constructed, owned and operated by Bell in 27 of Alberta's largest communities. The Extended Area Network is comprised of 402 communities in rural Alberta. For more information, visit www.albertasupernet.ca
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http://www.gov.ab.ca/acn/200509/1882...C2E0424EF.html
Reason I brought this up was because the other day I was reading an old thread on Digital Home about the future of the internet. A lot of people felt that in 3-5 years, the existing infrastructure throughout the country wouldn't be able to handle the demand for fast, reliable internet. Yet, our entire province is how wired with fiber, which is more than likely a first in Canada, if not in the US.
Sure, it cost around $400 million in the end, but to me its money well spent, and something that probably is known by a lot of people.
I don't know the technical details about how Shaw and Telus connect to the existing fiber network....but I would imagine it has something to do with the speed increases in Alberta.