Why Rural Internet Providers and Community Organisations Write Joint Submissions
When rural internet providers like us sit down with local community organisations, we share a common goal: better connectivity for the people who live and work outside urban centres. Together, we write joint submissions to regulators and government because our voices are stronger when they speak as one. A single provider might be heard, but a coalition of providers, municipal leaders, economic development groups, and agricultural associations shows that the need is real and widespread.
These submissions are formal letters that outline the specific challenges rural areas face — low population density, difficult terrain, and limited infrastructure. They ask for policy changes that would make it possible to build and maintain networks in places where the business case is thin. By working together, we can present a clear, practical picture of what is needed, without exaggerating or promising what cannot be delivered. The goal is not to demand the impossible, but to ask for the fair treatment that urban areas already receive.
What a Joint Letter Typically Asks For
Most joint letters focus on three key areas that directly affect the quality and affordability of rural internet service.
- Spectrum access. Spectrum is the radio frequency that carries wireless internet signals. In rural areas, having access to suitable spectrum — especially lower-frequency bands that travel farther and through trees and buildings — is essential. Joint submissions often ask regulators to reserve or make available specific spectrum for rural providers, so we can reach more homes and farms without needing as many towers.
- Funding for towers and infrastructure. Building a tower in a rural area costs many times more than in a city, and the return on that investment takes years. Joint letters ask for targeted government funding programs that cover part of the cost of towers, backhaul connections, and other physical infrastructure. Without such support, many rural communities would never get service at all.
- Realistic service standards. Urban internet users expect certain speeds and reliability. But rural areas face different realities — weather, distance, and terrain all affect performance. Joint submissions advocate for service standards that are fair and achievable for rural conditions, so providers are not penalised for factors beyond their control, while still being held accountable for delivering a usable connection.
What This Means for You, the Rural Subscriber
When we and other organisations sign a joint letter, we are not just making noise. We are laying out a practical path that, if followed, can lead to measurable improvements in your everyday internet experience. Better spectrum access means fewer dropped connections and more consistent speeds, even during peak evening hours. Funding for towers means new towers go up in underserved areas, bringing service to places that currently have none. Realistic service standards mean that when you check your speed, it will match what we promised — not an urban benchmark that is impossible to meet here.
These letters also help hold everyone accountable. Regulators and government officials see a broad coalition asking for the same things, year after year. That consistency builds trust and shows that the requests are not wishful thinking, but grounded in real-world needs. For you, the subscriber, it means your provider is advocating for policies that directly affect your connection, without making wild claims about instant fixes.
We write these letters because we believe rural Manitobans deserve the same opportunities that come with good internet — the chance to work from home, run a business, attend school remotely, or stay in touch with family. A joint letter is one practical step among many, and we will keep taking it as long as it helps move the needle for rural connectivity.
