30 Years Strong: How MCSnet Celebrated a Milestone Anniversary in Rural Alberta

What began with a simple idea and a makeshift antenna made from a Pringles can in 1995 has blossomed into one of Canada’s most trusted rural internet providers. This year, MCSnet proudly marked its 30th Anniversary, celebrating three decades of connecting homes, businesses, and communities across Alberta and parts of Saskatchewan.

The celebrations weren’t just about a company milestone; they were a heartfelt thank you to the customers, communities, and dedicated staff who helped a local dream become a technological success story. Here’s a look at the ways MCSnet celebrated its momentous 30th year.

Community Celebration Party

The highlight of the anniversary year was a special community celebration held on June 19 in the company’s hometown of St. Paul, Alberta. The event was a chance for MCSnet to gather with the community that has supported it from the very beginning.

• Location: The Reunion Station in St. Paul.
• Festivities: The party featured live music from the band Second Son, delicious food from the Stems & Flappers food truck, cake from Twisted Fork, and numerous prizes and giveaways.
• Reflecting on the Past: The celebration included a short program where founder, Leo VanBrabant, and local dignitaries like Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr and Town of St. Paul Mayor Maureen Miller, spoke about the company’s history, its values, and its profound impact on bringing digital access to rural Albertans.

Exclusive Contests and Giveaways

To involve and reward the wider customer base that spans thousands of homes and businesses, MCSnet launched a dedicated 30th Anniversary Contests & Giveaways promotion.

• How to Enter: Customers and non-customers were invited to participate in online contests and the Golden Ticket Prize of a Free Year of Internet, which is still open to entries until December 28, 2025 at midnight with the winner to be selected Monday, December 29 during a Facebook Live.
• Online Engagement: We encouraged engagement by offering discounts to new and existing customers and those who participated on social media through liking, sharing, and engaging in posts.
• Rewarding Loyalty: This initiative was a direct way to thank the thousands of Albertans who took a chance on a small-town ISP and have relied on them for their connectivity for years.

Highlighting the “Rooted in Alberta” Story

MCSnet used the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on and share its unique journey, emphasizing its deep local roots and dedication to rural life.

• The Origin Story: We reminded everyone of its humble, innovative beginnings, going from an intrepid team of family members experimenting with an antenna fashioned from a Pringles can to a major provider with hundreds of fixed wireless towers and thousands of kilometers of buried fiber.
• Mission Unchanged: Through blog posts and communications, we reiterated that our mission remains the same: to deliver reliable, high-speed internet everywhere, maintaining the “neighbourly way of life” while connecting people to the world.

Ongoing Community Connection and Support

The anniversary year served as a platform to underscore MCSnet’s commitment to community investment, a practice it upholds year-round. The company continues to provide support through its Community Connections program, focusing on three key pillars:

1. Agriculture: Sponsoring events like rodeos that celebrate the community and its agricultural traditions.
2. Youth: Empowering young people through learning opportunities, like the High School Scholarship Program and support systems.
3. Technology: Encouraging innovation and educating the public on technology and online safety.

The 30th anniversary cemented the message that MCSnet is more than just an internet company—it is a local team, deeply invested in the strength and future of the rural communities it serves.

The journey from a $0.50 can of chips to a multi-million dollar fiber and tower network is a testament to the fact that innovation can—and must—come from within the communities it serves.

For more information on MCSnet and the services it provides, visit our website, or follow us on our social media channels.