Are there any people using the Clearwater broadband network at this time?

As of November 2025, there is no clear public evidence that the Clearwater broadband network is providing service to residents on a wide scale at this time. The major infrastructure, including the fibre optic backbone, has been completed or is nearing completion, with significant investments and contracts awarded to operators like Rigstar Industrial Telecom to manage the network and facilitate future service delivery. Public communications and recent announcements suggest that the rollout to individual homes and businesses is only just beginning in 2025, with phases and provider onboarding still in progress.arcadis+5​

At present, while the backbone exists and the open-access platform is being prepared for providers to start onboarding customers, there are no reports confirming that ordinary residents or businesses are already actively using the network. Updates indicate service availability is imminent, and local ISPs are expected to connect their first customers soon, but specific user numbers have not yet been released as of early November 2025.cbc+2

Editor:

​What areas of Clearwater County currently have fibre connected homes?

Based on the available information, here's what is known about areas in Clearwater County that currently have fibre connected or ready for connection:

Completed Backbone Infrastructure

Phase 1: Rocky Mountain House to Ferrier Acres (15.7 km) - This phase was completed in 2020-2021 and fibre-optic cable has been deployed and is reportedly ready for service. Ferrier Acres was the pilot project for the network.clearwatercounty+1​

Phase 2: Rocky Mountain House to Caroline to Olds (115 km) - This backbone phase was listed as "in progress" as of 2021-2022. The backbone infrastructure connecting Rocky Mountain House through Caroline to the Olds area has been completed.945rewindradio+1​

Phase 6: Rocky Mountain House to Nordegg (84 km) - This backbone segment was also listed as "in progress" in 2021-2022. The backbone runs from Nordegg, through Rocky Mountain House, all the way to the Sundre-Olds area.945rewindradio+1​

Areas Funded for Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) Deployment

In June 2024, Clearwater County secured over $62 million in federal and provincial grants through the Universal Broadband Fund for fibre-to-the-home projects. The funded areas include:rdnewsnow+2​

• Martins Trailer Court

• Ferrier Acres

• Ullin

• Crimson Lake

• Nordegg

• Saunders

• Horburg

These projects were scheduled for completion between June 2024 and March 2026, with public engagement sessions held in spring 2025. The rollout is following a phased approach divided into five stages combining fibre-optic cable and wireless towers.market.cwcbb+4​

Current Status

As of November 2025, while the backbone infrastructure is largely complete and fibre-to-the-home construction is underway in the funded areas, there is no public confirmation that individual homes are actively connected and receiving service yet. The network is being built as an open-access platform where multiple Internet Service Providers can offer services, and ISPs are in the process of onboarding to begin connecting customers.market.cwcbb+1​

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