Conservative MLA Rosalyn Bird is advocating for SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet as a solution to connectivity issues faced by northern, rural, and remote communities in British Columbia.

Bird emphasizes that high-speed internet is essential for bridging the urban-rural divide, supporting small businesses, enabling telehealth services, and facilitating online education.

She warns that the economic cost of inaction is significant, as underserved communities miss opportunities, businesses remain disconnected, and rural areas lag behind.

Her remarks follow the completion of the Upper Viewmount fibre-optic project, which aimed to improve internet access but highlighted the inefficiencies of traditional infrastructure.

This $1.08 million project connected only 153 households, costing approximately $7,058 per household, showcasing the substantial investment required for traditional connectivity solutions.

Bird acknowledged the challenges of expanding cellular and fibre-optic networks in remote areas, citing a lack of power infrastructure and high installation costs as major obstacles.

In contrast, Starlink offers a faster and more flexible solution, with an initial hardware cost of around $499 and a monthly fee of $140, allowing for connections within days.

Critics have raised concerns about Starlink's subscription fees compared to traditional broadband, which typically ranges from $50 to $90 per month, but Bird argues that the quick deployment and reliability justify the cost.

Starlink operates using a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites, providing high-speed internet globally without the need for extensive ground infrastructure.

Bird highlights that many communities still struggle with connectivity challenges, underscoring the need for reliable high-speed internet as essential for economic growth, education, and healthcare access.

She noted that as more activities move online, dependable internet becomes crucial for the well-being of communities.

Rural areas in British Columbia face significant challenges in expanding fibre optic and cellular networks due to the lack of power infrastructure and the high costs associated with installation.