Telus will be investing $12 million into Kitimat before the end of 2017, in order to connect 90 per cent of homes and businesses to the fibre optic network the telecommunications company has established in the province.
Construction on the project will begin in the upcoming weeks and planning has already commenced, according to a press release issued by Telus, with the company anticipating all homes and businesses will be connected by the end of the year.
"This investment will dramatically improve Internet speed and capacity for residents, businesses, health care facilities and schools, and as technology evolves the network will be equipped to keep pace and offer even faster speeds," said Tony Geheran, Telus executive vice-president and president of broadband networks.
"Kitimat is a beautiful place to live, and now residents and businesses will have the same or even better access to the Internet than some communities in the Lower Mainland, truly giving Kitimat a competitive advantage," he added.
"I'm very excited about what this investment will bring to the community of Kitimat," said mayor Phil Germuth.
"Supporting sustainable economic growth and enhancing quality of life for our residents is an important goal for council. We welcome this investment and what this innovative technology can do for the future of our community."
The investment is part of the company's plan to invest $4.5 billion in BC between 2016 and 2019. Other northern BC communities that are currently connected to the fibre optic network include Terrace, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Quesnel, and Hudson's Hope.