Posted on: November 14, 2023 In a significant collaboration, the City of Beaumont, Alberta, Alberta Broadband Networks and Primus Telecommunications, today announced the expansion of cutting-edge fibre broadband technology to one of the province’s fastest growing cities. Residents of Beaumont, with a population of nearly 22,000, are set to experience a remarkable leap in connectivity, symmetrical upload and download speeds, and service reliability as they become eligible to subscribe to some of the fastest fibre speeds in western Canada. They will have access to speeds up to 1 gigabit per second and services on par with or better than what’s available in most major cities in Canada. The project is part of a $219 million investment by Meridiam-owned and financed Alberta Broadband Networks, a local company that is developing and managing the citywide fibre network. Construction of the entire Beaumont fibre network began in late 2022 and is expected to be completed within the next 90 days. Beaumont City Council Focused on Cultivating Innovation “Bringing broadband to small cities and towns has traditionally presented significant challenges – financially, logistically, and politically,” said Beaumont Mayor, Bill Daneluik. “Beaumont has been determined to face these challenges head-on, mirroring a growing trend among smaller communities to proactively spearhead their own broadband solutions. So, when presented with an innovative solution to enhance internet service locally, city council was proactive in supporting this initiative.” “We are pleased to contribute to bringing better high-speed internet options to Beaumont and we look forward to what this innovation will mean for the city,” said Paul Hwang, Primus Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Business Unit. “Fibre broadband is as essential today as water, gas, and electricity. It is the fourth utility,” said Ken Spangler, CEO Alberta Broadband Networks. “We are proud to collaborate with the City of Beaumont to build the infrastructure required for this project, making Beaumont one of the most connected communities in Alberta.” Alberta Broadband Networks’ technical expertise and the City of Beaumont’s commitment to progress have made this transformative project possible. This initiative underscores the dedication of all involved parties to bring the economic, educational and innovation benefits of advanced broadband technology. Beaumont’s citywide fibre network is a generational solution that can enable future applications and demand. How Beaumont Residents Can Sign UpBeaumont residents can visit Primus.ca/Beaumont to learn more about the project, sign up to receive updates, and learn when their homes will be eligible for this service. About the City of BeaumontBeaumont is one of Alberta’s four officially bilingual municipalities and the third-fastest-growing city in Alberta. Located just minutes south of Edmonton, in close proximity to the QE2 Highway and Edmonton International Airport, Beaumont has a young, dynamic, and well-educated population of nearly 22,000. About Alberta Broadband NetworksAlberta Broadband Networks is an Edmonton-based Fibre-To-The-Premises network developer that aspires to serve residents, businesses and institutions throughout Beaumont and Vermilion with a high-speed fibre broadband network. Delivering accessible and affordable fibre internet for Beaumont and Vermilion residents is central to Alberta Broadband Networks’ operation. The company’s fibre network will pass at least every Beaumont premises, to ensure city-wide access to high-speed, symmetrical fibre broadband, at no cost to the City of Beaumont. About Meridiam Meridiam was founded in 2005 by Thierry Déau, with the belief that the alignment of interests between the public and private sector can provide critical solutions to the collective needs of communities. Meridiam is an independent investment Benefit Corporation and an asset manager. The firm specializes in the development, financing, and long-term management of sustainable public infrastructure in three core sectors: sustainable mobility, critical public services, and innovative low carbon solutions. The firm’s fibre platform currently includes projects with 16,000 miles of fibre network, passing nearly 1.5 million premises in Canada, the U.S. and Europe. With offices in Addis Ababa, Amman, Dakar, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Libreville, Luxembourg, New York, Paris, Vienna and Washington, Meridiam manages US$20 billion and more than 120 projects to date. Meridiam is certified ISO 9001: 2015, Advanced Sustainability Rating by VigeoEiris (Moody’s), ISO 37001 Anti-Corruption certification by AFNOR and applies a proprietary methodology in relation to ESG and impact based on United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). About Primus Primus is a national, award-winning, communications provider offering a wide range of consumer, business and wholesale communications services. Certified as a Great Place to Work® in 2020, and known for its progressive, collaborative workplace, with offices across Canada and a national network, Primus is focused on providing choice and value to Canadians.Part of the Bell family and independently operated, Primus is positioned to offer solutions to consumers and businesses of all sizes. Primus offers leading high-speed internet, TV, and home phone products through its consumer brands. It delivers business solutions as a provider of advanced voice and data offerings designed for the small and medium business markets. For more information, visit www.primus.ca. Media Inquiries:Rosa Montes, Primusrosa.montes@distributel.ca647-701-8102 Kathryn Halpin, Primuskathryn.halpin@distributel.ca647-265-8294 Mike Berezowsky, City of Beaumontmike.berezowsky@beaumont.ab.ca780-243-0458 Jennifer Cohan, Meridiamjencohannyc@gmail.com917-239-9905