rhonda@corp.mcsnet.ca

rhonda@corp.mcsnet.ca

 

MCSnet is fortunate to receive funding from the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) and Alberta Broadband Fund (ABF) to serve another 3,401 homes and businesses with fiber optics — a total project cost of over $31M.

The official announcement was made on January 30, 2026 at the Ardrossan Recreation Centre with the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, together with the Honourable Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation of Alberta. 

The Communities within the MCSnet service area to benefit are: Chipman, Fawcett, Birch Cove, Lac La Nonne, Lac La Biche (Lakeview Estates, Greenbank Estates, Sunset Bay), Larkspur, Lavoy, Lottie Lake, Lower Mann Lake, Upper Mann Lake, Pelican Narrows, Bonnyville Beach (and other select areas of Moose Lake), Muriel Lake, Nakamun Park, Ardrossan (Gun Mannor and Ravine View), Little Johnson Lake, Ranfurly, Streamstown (Silver Willow and Ravine View), Rossian, Mewatha Beach, Bondiss, Thunder Lake, Vimy, Horseshoe Bay, Vincent Lake, White Gull, Edberg, Heisler, Killam, and Braim.

As a company rooted in St. Paul, AB, we have a personal stake in seeing our neighbors succeed. This funding isn’t just a line item on a balance sheet—it’s a catalyst that deepens our commitment to the communities we call home. We are invested in this province, and we’re excited to continue building the infrastructure that keeps rural Alberta connected.” – Jerome VanBrabant, Chief Projects Officer, MCSnet

Preliminary meetings between the municipalities being served and MCSnet have been taking place over the past few months for design and planning purposes. Mainline fiber construction began along Highway 13 in the summer of 2025, and within the MD of Bonnyville, late 2025. Projects must be completed by March, 2027.

Information letters regarding Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) services are currently being mailed to notify eligible property owners. Additional details about this process can be found on the MCSnet website.

MCSnet made the application to the Alberta Broadband Fund/Universal Broadband Fund in late 2024 for any areas that the department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) deemed eligible. Many of the locations are lake properties that are difficult to serve wirelessly because of the trees and terrain.

 

Since 2012, MCSnet has successfully secured six grant applications, with these previous projects enabling the local, family-owned company to bring high-speed internet to rural and remote communities in Northeastern Alberta and parts of Saskatchewan. The company’s success in these applications is due to its efficiency in completing projects and its innovative use of the latest technology to deliver internet services.

To date, MCSnet has received over $34 M in grant funding and has invested $27 M of its own funds as part of these grant programs to improve internet speeds for over 36,000 homes and businesses in Northeastern Alberta.

MCSnet started delivering Fiber-to-the-Home services in Mallaig, Fort Kent, and Cherry Grove in 2019. It has also completed a project in the Hamlet of Thorhild and it is currently finishing its Fiber-to-the-Home project in the MD of Bonnyville that was announced in 2024.

Associated Links

 

• • Government of Canada Announces Recipients for UBF

• • Government of Canada Press Release 

• • 2024 MCSnet UBF Announcement 

• • Thorhild and MD of Bonnyville FTTH UBF Announcement

• • Universal Broadband Fund Webpage

• • High-speed internet for all Canadians

rhonda@corp.mcsnet.ca

The post MCSnet Receives UBF Funding for Over 30 Fiber Communities appeared first on MCSnet.

Are you a sports lover and looking to watch and enjoy some elite sporting events this February? Then you are about to be thrilled! There are 2 major sporting events coming this February: The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl LX. 

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics run from February 6–22, 2026, across northern Italy. Expect packed schedules in hockey, curling, figure skating, speed skating, skiing and more. Super Bowl LX kicks off on February 8, 2026 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. It is one of the biggest single sports broadcasts of the year and sits right in the middle of the Winter Games.

With both events coming in the same month, it makes February a true streaming stress test for your home internet. Find our simple tips to get your setup ready, see where to watch in Canada, and how to find Team Canada schedules fast. 

Tips to Stream Without Buffering

The best way to stay on top of all the games and sporting events this February is through streaming. However, an experience that is meant to be seamless and enjoyable can become frustrating when your streaming experience is interrupted by constant buffering. Here are quick tips to prepare for buffer-free streaming.

Check your speed and capacity

• For one 4K stream, aim for at least 20–25 Mbps download. Add the same amount again for each extra 4K screen in use.
• For HD (1080p) streams, 5–10 Mbps per stream is fine.

Upgrade strategically

• If you are near your cap or running several TVs, consider upgrading to Unlimited data to avoid throttling or overage stress.
• If multiple people stream at once or you host watch parties, move up a speed tier for February, then reassess later.

Get the MCSnet Unlimited Plan at no extra cost

• If you are looking to upgrade this February, you are in luck as MCSnet is currently running a promo, offering current users to upgrade to unlimited for free until February 28; and new users an unlimited package for 3 months at just $49.95. Learn about the MCSnet Unlimited Connections Promo here.

Use ethernet for the main screen – if necessary 

• Plug your primary TV or streaming box into the router with an Ethernet cable if your Wi-Fi is unreliable. It bypasses Wi-Fi congestion and stabilizes bitrates during peak hours.

Fix your Wi-Fi layout

• Place the router out in the open, high on a shelf, away from metal and microwaves.
• Large homes or shops benefit from a mesh system. Put a node near the TV room.

Prepare your apps and reduce local interference

• Update the streaming apps ahead of time. Sign in, set your preferred resolution, and test a live event the day before.
• Pause big downloads, cloud backups and game updates during live events, especially if others in the house are online.
• If you notice stuttering, drop your stream quality from 4K to 1080p. The picture is still crisp, but it uses less than half the bandwidth, freeing up space for the rest of the family.
  

Team Canada Schedules For The 2026 Winter Olympics, and How to Find Them Fast

Schedules change as qualification rounds settle. To stay updated on the schedule for Team Canada and other teams you may have your eyes on, use these official pages and add events to your calendar.

Many events in Italy run from morning to late evening local time, which means early mornings and midday slots in Alberta.

• Official Milano Cortina 2026 schedule – with daily time grids and sport specific sections.
  
• Team Canada schedule hub maintained by the Canadian Olympic Committee with event times and medal sessions.
  
• Ice hockey schedule (Olympics.com). These pages list Canada’s games once finalized and are updated throughout the tournament.
  
• Hockey Canada schedule for the men’s tournament, with add-to-calendar tools and game times. A women’s section posts separately when available.
  

The 2026 Winter Olympics Events That Most Canadians Will be Watching

• Men’s and women’s ice hockey group play, quarterfinals, semifinals and medal games.

• Curling team and mixed doubles finals.

• Figure skating team event and singles/ice dance finals.

• Long track and short track speed skating medal sessions

Where to Watch in Canada

Where to watch the Winter Olympics 2026 in Canada

• CBC/Radio-Canada holds Canadian broadcast and streaming rights for the Olympic Games through 2032. 

• Expect coverage on CBC Television, CBC Gem and CBC Sports digital platforms in English, and Radio-Canada and ICI TOU.TV in French.

Where to watch Super Bowl LX in Canada 

• In Canada the Super Bowl is typically available on CTV, TSN and RDS, with additional streaming options confirmed each season. This year, you can stream on the DAZN app.

How MCSnet Can Help You Enjoy Your Streaming Buffer-Free

The Olympics run for more than two weeks with multiple simultaneous streams, and Super Bowl Sunday spikes traffic at the same time. More devices stay active and people watch in higher resolutions.

Make every game a smooth streaming experience with MCSnet. Get the right speed for your home, unlimited options for heavy streaming, and smarter Wi-Fi router setups that keep every screen steady. 

Ready for buffer-free streaming?

• See plans and check availability today.

Sources for Further Reading 

• IOC and Olympics.com – Milano Cortina 2026 overview and schedule.
• Team Canada 2026 schedule hub.
• Hockey Canada – men’s Olympic hockey schedule.
• Levi’s Stadium – Super Bowl LX date and venue
• CBC/Radio-Canada and IOC – Canadian Olympic rights through 2032.

The post How to Stream the 2026 Winter Olympics & Super Bowl Without Buffering appeared first on MCSnet.

Is high-speed internet finally coming to my rural home?

If you live in rural Alberta, you’ve likely asked this question for years. You’ve seen the press releases and heard the promises, often while watching a “buffering” wheel spin on your screen.

But 2026 is different. This is the year the rubber meets the road—or rather, the year the fiber meets the tower.

The Government of Canada has set a hard target: to connect 98% of Canadians to high-speed internet by 2026. For those of us outside the city limits, this isn’t just a policy goal; it’s a lifeline. But what does “high-speed” actually mean in 2026, and how is MCSnet making sure your community isn’t part of the 2% left behind?

Here is your progress report on rural connectivity.

The “98%” Promise: A New Standard

For a long time, “high-speed” was a vague term. However, ten years ago, a specific definition was created: 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload (often called “50/10 speeds”).

In 2026, this is the absolute minimum standard for modern life. It’s what you need to run a Zoom call without freezing, stream Netflix in HD, or upload agricultural data to the cloud. The federal government’s Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) was created to help ISPs like us hit this target.

At MCSnet, we believe that aiming for the “minimum” isn’t enough for Alberta. While the government targets 50 Mbps, we are building networks capable of  up to 940 Mbps (1 Gigabit).

Why? Because technology doesn’t stand still. The internet you need for today’s 4K streaming is different from what you’ll need for tomorrow’s precision farming or telehealth services. We aren’t just building for 2026; we’re building for 2036.

How We Are Getting There: It’s Not Just Cables in the Ground

The biggest challenge in rural Alberta is geography. Trenching fiber-optic cables to every single acreage and farmhouse is incredibly expensive and slow—especially when the ground is frozen for half the year.

If we relied only on buried fiber, many of you would still be waiting in 2030 and beyond.

That’s why MCSnet pioneered GigAir. Think of it as “fiber through the air.”

• How it works: We run high-capacity fiber lines or licensed, wireless links to our towers (that’s the “backbone”). Then, using advanced GigAir and other high-speed, wireless technology, we beam that signal wirelessly to a small receiver on your home or business.
• The Result: You get fiber-like speeds (up to 940 Mbps) without anyone having to dig up your driveway.

This technology allows us to deploy faster and reach further than traditional, large telcos.

Boots on the Ground: Progress in Your Community

We don’t just talk about expansion; we’re out there doing it. Over the past 5 years, we’ve aggressively expanded our network thanks to our own private investment and partnerships with the Universal Broadband Fund.

• Innovation in Mind: We have not only launched GigAir in over 80 towns, villages, and hamlets, we are now launching super fast speeds across the countryside with the goal of upgrading the majority of our towers by the end of 2026.
• Community Spotlights: We are currently lighting up high-speed zones in communities like Ardrossan, Barrhead, Bon Accord, Bonnyville, Cold Lake, Gibbons, Lac La Biche, Lloydminster, Morinville, Redwater, St. Paul, Vermilion, Vegreville, Wainwright, Westlock, and Wetaskiwin. These also include the rural municipalities surrounding these communities.
• Investing in Home: To date, MCSnet has secured millions in funding that goes directly into hardware and infrastructure for our service area—not Calgary or Edmonton.

Beyond 2026: Why Speed Matters

Why do we push for Gigabit speeds when the government only asks for 50 Mbps? Because rural Alberta deserves the same opportunities as the big cities.

• For the Economy: It allows local businesses to compete globally and farmers to use autonomous machinery.
• For Families: It means your kids can game online with their friends without lagging, and you can video chat with the grandkids in crystal clear quality.
• For Safety: It ensures reliable access to emergency alerts and telehealth appointments, allowing seniors to age in place comfortably.

Check Your Tech

If you haven’t checked your internet options in the last six months, you might be surprised by what’s available. Thousands of homes that were previously in “dead zones” or stuck on slow legacy plans are now eligible for GigAir and other high-speed fixed wireless technology.

Don’t settle for slow. Check your address today.

The post Connecting the Countryside: What the 2026 Connectivity Targets Mean for Rural Alberta appeared first on MCSnet.

In our corner of the world, winter isn’t just a season—it’s a lifestyle. From -40°C cold snaps to blizzards that bury the driveway, living in rural Alberta and Saskatchewan requires toughness. It also requires reliable equipment.

We often winterize our vehicles and our homes, but have you ever thought about “winterizing” your expectation of the internet? As the temperature drops, we know that staying connected becomes even more critical—whether it’s for remote work, emergency updates, or just streaming a movie while the wind howls outside.

At MCSnet, we get asked a lot: “Does the cold affect my internet speed?” The short answer is: It can. But the good news is that we’ve built our network specifically to handle it. 

The Science: How Cold Weather Impacts the Internet

Technically, radio waves and fiber optic light signals don’t mind the cold. They travel just as fast at -30°C as they do at +30°C. However, the environment that the cold creates is a different story.

Here is what is actually happening when winter weather messes with a signal:

1. Ice and Snow Buildup (The “Snowman” Effect) For Fixed Wireless internet, the biggest enemy isn’t the temperature—it’s the obstruction.

• The Problem: Heavy, wet snow or thick rime ice can accumulate on the radio on your roof or the tower itself. This creates a physical barrier that the signal has to push through, which can lead to “packet loss” (data getting lost in transit) or slower speeds.
• The Result: You might notice videos buffering or webpages taking a moment longer to load during a heavy blizzard.

2. Hardware Fatigue Extreme cold can make materials brittle. Standard cables can stiffen and crack, and cheaper electronics can struggle to boot up.

• The Problem: If moisture gets inside a cable connector and then freezes, it expands. This “ice crush” can damage delicate internal wiring or fiber strands.

3. Power Fluctuations Often, when the internet goes down in a storm, it’s actually a power issue. Blips in the electrical grid can knock towers offline or reset your home router, causing temporary outages.

Read our blog article: How Does Weather Affect Your Internet to learn more about how weather affects the internet more broadly.

How MCSnet Keeps You Connected in the Cold

We don’t just work here; we live here. We know that standard “off-the-shelf” solutions often fail when the Prairie winter hits. Here is how MCSnet ensures your connection holds up when the mercury drops:

1. Winter-Hardened Infrastructure

We build our towers and equipment to withstand high winds and ice loading. Our network of fiber optics, towers, and high-speed radios are designed with redundancy in mind. 

2. Local Boots on the Ground

This is our biggest advantage. When a massive storm rolls through, national providers often have to dispatch technicians from major cities, leading to days of wait time.

• The MCSnet Difference: Our teams are local. We are in your communities. If a tower needs de-icing or a repair, we can deploy our crews faster because we are already neighbors.

3. Proactive Monitoring

We monitor our network 24/7. We can often see if a specific tower is struggling with power or signal strength before you even call us. Our team works tirelessly—often in freezing conditions—to swap out batteries, clear ice, and keep the data flowing.

Customer Tips: How to “Winterize” Your Connection

Check Your Line of Sight: If safe to do so, take a look at the radio on your roof. Is it buried in a snowdrift or covered in a thick layer of ice? Give MCSnet a call to safely handle any necessary clearing of snow or radio realignment.

Protect Your Power: Since power bumps are common in winter, plug your router into a surge protector or a small UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). This keeps your Wi-Fi alive even if the power blinks for a second.

Mind the “Holiday Jam”: Winter often means more people are home, and more devices are connected (plus holiday lights can sometimes interfere with indoor Wi-Fi signals!). If speeds feel slow, check how many devices are streaming 4K video at once.

• Place the router in a central, elevated location, away from fridges, ovens or metal surfaces that could block the signal.

• Consider upgrading your router. If you are an MCSnet user and have not upgraded your router, learn more about how to rent a new router and enjoy 3 months free, while it lasts.

• Troubleshoot your router if slow internet persists. For guides on troubleshooting your router, read our blog: Troubleshooting Your Internet Connection: A Helpful Guide for Rural MCSnet Users.

• Use wired Ethernet for high-priority devices (like workstations or streaming boxes) when possible. Wi-Fi is more vulnerable to interference issues.

For day-to-day weather conditions, most customers won’t notice any change in performance. During severe storms, brief disruptions can happen, but proper equipment care (surge protection, secure mounting, weather-rated gear) keeps things stable.

MCSnet is Built for Rural Alberta

Because we live and work in the countryside, we build for the rural Alberta weather. Our network is engineered for resilience and able to give you consistent high speed during winter weather in rural Alberta and areas with MCSnet coverage. If your internet speed or signal is affected, our local team moves fast, typically within one business day.

Explore MCSnet plans designed for reliability and fewer interruptions. 

Get started today

The post The Big Chill: How Winter Weather Affects Your Internet (And How We Beat It) appeared first on MCSnet.

Choosing rural internet for your home or business is easier when you match your activities to the speed, upload and reliability you actually need. This guide explains the requirements for streaming, gaming, work from home, and small business, then helps you map those needs to the MCSnet plan options available across rural Alberta.

What counts as “good internet” in Canada?

Canada’s regulator sets a universal objective of at least 50 Mbps download, 10 Mbps upload and access to unlimited data for all Canadians, including rural communities. Think of this as the baseline for multi-user homes that stream, video call and back up photos.

How much internet speed do you need for common activities?

Use these conservative targets to size your plan. If you do several at once, add them up and leave headroom.

Why the extra headroom? Real homes multitask. Speeds vary by Wi-Fi, device and time of day, so a buffer prevents congestion.

Quick selectors: pick the profile that fits

1) Basic use at home
Email, browsing, a single HD stream and casual video calls.

• Target: 50/10 with unlimited data if budget allows.
• Why: Meets the national objective and leaves room for guests.

2) Entertainment home
Multiple TVs, 4K streaming, smart devices, occasional gaming.

• Target: 100–300 Mbps down, 10–25 Mbps up, unlimited data.
• Tip: Use Ethernet or a mesh system to feed 4K TVs.

3) Gaming and live streaming
Competitive gaming, Discord, occasional Twitch or YouTube Live.

• Target: 150–500 Mbps down, 20+ Mbps up, low latency.
• Tip: Fixed wireless or fiber with stable latency beats raw download for gameplay. For streaming, upload is king.

4) Work from home
Daily Teams or Zoom, large file sync, backups.

• Target: 100–300 Mbps down, 20–50 Mbps up, unlimited data.
• Tip: Wired your main workstation and keep a second SSID for guests.

5) Small business
POS, cloud accounting, cameras, multiple workstations.

• Target: 100–300 Mbps down, 25–50 Mbps up, static IP if needed.
• Tip: Separate guest Wi-Fi and enable QoS for POS and calls.

What to consider before you subscribe to any ISP in rural Alberta

1. Primary activities: List what you do most. Streaming in 4K, nightly gaming or daily video meetings change your needs.
2. Number of concurrent users and devices: Households can easily run 10–20 devices. Add capacity if several are active.
3. Upload matters: Backups, file sharing, video calls and streaming are upload-heavy. Size accordingly.
4. Latency and reliability: For gaming and calls, a steady 40–60 ms feels better than a spiky 20–120 ms. Technology and local network design affect this.
5. Data policy: If you stream in 4K or use cloud gaming, unlimited data prevents overage surprises.
6. Home Wi-Fi design: Router placement, Ethernet to TVs and a mesh for large homes can double real-world performance.
7. High Speed and Local Support: Consider that the provider has a reputation of reliability, high speed, responsive customer support and has local presence.

Matching needs to MCSnet plan options

MCSnet offers capped and unlimited plans across several technologies and customer categories – Residential or Business. Availability varies by address, so check your location first.

MCSnet delivers both Capped and Unlimited internet plan using:

• Fiber to the Home where available for the fastest and most stable experience.
• GigAir to deliver fiber-class speeds wirelessly with quick install in select communities.
• Fixed Wireless across wide rural zones, sized for everyday streaming, calls and gaming.

Plan guidance by profile

• Basic home: choose an entry capped or Unlimited plan around 50/10 or higher.
• Entertainment home: step up to Unlimited for 4K and multiple TVs.
• Gaming or creator: prioritize Unlimited and higher upload tiers.
• Work from home: capped or Unlimited plan with a good Wi-Fi setup.
• Small/Medium business: Explore Business Internet plans, including options with static IPs and dedicated links.

Check availability at your address and view plan options. 

• Get Started Here

Learn more practical steps for choosing a home plan: Home Internet Plan Comparison: Finding the Best Home Internet Service for Rural Alberta

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the minimum speed for a typical rural family?
  Aim for 50/10 with unlimited data if budget allows. It comfortably supports HD streaming, schoolwork and routine video calls.

• How much speed do I need for 4K streaming on one TV?
  Netflix lists 15 Mbps minimum for 4K. We recommend 20–25 Mbps per 4K stream for smoother performance and to leave room for other devices.

• Is upload speed important for gaming and video calls?
  Yes. Online gaming needs stable latency and a few Mbps up, while Zoom 1080p can use about 3 Mbps up. Live streaming to YouTube or Twitch at 1080p often needs 8–12 Mbps up with headroom.

• What about cloud gaming like GeForce NOW?
  Budget 25 Mbps for 1080p 60 fps and 40–45 Mbps for 4K. A wired connection is recommended.

• Do I really need unlimited data?
  If you use 4K streaming, cloud backups, or have multiple heavy users, unlimited avoids surprises. A single 4K movie can consume many gigabytes.

• Which MCSnet technology should I pick?
  Choose Fiber where available, GigAir where in range, otherwise Fixed Wireless. Use Check Availability to see the best option for your address.

References

• CRTC: Canada’s universal service objective and Broadband Fund details, including 50/10 with unlimited data.
• FCC: Consumer broadband speed guide for common activities.
• Netflix: Recommended speeds for HD and 4K streaming.
• Zoom: 720p and 1080p bandwidth requirements.
• Microsoft Teams: Network preparation and bandwidth guidance.
• YouTube Live: Encoder bitrates for 1080p and 4K live streaming.
• Twitch: Broadcasting and bitrate considerations for Full HD streams.
• NVIDIA GeForce NOW: Cloud gaming internet requirements.

The post 2026 Internet Buyer’s Guide for Rural Alberta: Best Speeds, Plans, & All You Need to Know appeared first on MCSnet.

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.

The post 30 Years Strong: How MCSnet Celebrated a Milestone Anniversary in Rural Alberta appeared first on MCSnet.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is all of October, and a perfect time to tighten up your defences against cyber attacks as a small business. Cybercrime isn’t just “an enterprise problem. In Canada, 1 in 6 businesses reported a cybersecurity incident in 2023, and in 2025, 73% of small businesses have experienced a cybersecurity incident. 

While many business owners still underestimate the risk, a majority of SMEs are vulnerable to cyber attacks, and most are not prepared.

This guide pulls together resources from Canadian and Alberta Cybersecurity authorities and provides simple tips for small businesses to stay cyber safe.

Why Small Businesses are Targeted and How AI is Changing Cyber Threats

Attackers go where defences are lightest. We are seeing growing attacks and threats to small businesses because they present an easy prey.  The most common threats among small firms included scams/fraud, identity theft (e.g., credential theft), phishing emails and ransomware. 

Canada’s latest threat assessments flag AI-assisted phishing, deepfakes and faster malware iteration that make scams more convincing and harder to spot, particularly for organizations with limited IT capacity.

AI-enhanced cyber attacks come in various forms, including:

• AI-Generated Phishing: AI writes realistic, personalized emails or texts that mimic suppliers, banks, or colleagues to trick employees into sharing sensitive data or making payments.
• Voice & Video Deepfakes: Attackers clone a CEO’s voice or create fake video calls to authorize wire transfers or extract confidential information.
• Automated Social Engineering: AI scans the web and social media to build detailed employee profiles, helping scammers craft believable messages that sound personal.
• Credential Stuffing & Brute Force: AI automates password guessing using breached data, testing thousands of combinations per second until it finds a match.
• Adaptive Malware: AI-driven malware changes its behaviour and appearance to avoid detection by antivirus tools or security filters.
• Exploit Discovery: AI tools scan public websites and systems for vulnerabilities faster than humans can patch them, allowing rapid exploitation.
• Business Email Compromise (BEC): AI helps refine and automate fraudulent emails that impersonate executives or vendors requesting urgent payments.
• Fake Support or Chatbots: AI-powered fake support agents or chatbots mimic real companies to steal credentials or trick users into installing malware.
• Smishing and Vishing: AI-generated SMS and voice calls use natural language and personalization to convince recipients to click links or reveal info.

What You Can Do as a Small Business

According to the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, here are some actions small businesses can take:

1. Patch fast, patch everything: Turn on automatic updates for OS, browsers, and key apps. Many incidents exploit known vulnerabilities.
2. Turn on MFA everywhere: Enable multi-factor authentication on email, accounting, banking, Microsoft/Google, payroll, and remote access. It blocks most account takeovers.
3. Harden email & browsers: Use a modern browser with anti-tracking and safe-browsing turned on; filter inbound email for phishing and malicious attachments.
4. Back up like your business depends on it: 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different media, 1 offline/immutable. Test restores quarterly.
5. Password manager and unique logins: Adopt a team password manager and kill password reuse for sensitive applications. Set role-based access and remove old accounts.
6. Segment networks: Separate office PCs, POS/operational devices, guest Wi-Fi, and cameras so one compromise doesn’t spread.
7. Train for AI threats: Short, recurring awareness moments: how to spot urgent payment requests, voice spoofing, and QR-code lures; teach “pause and verify.”
8. Vendor and data hygiene: Inventory who has access to your systems/data. Remove stale shares; require MFA and minimum security posture for key vendors.
9. Write a 1-page response plan: Who to call, how to isolate an infected device, how to switch to backups, who informs customers, and how to report. Practice it once a year.
10. Connectivity hygiene: If you run multiple sites, farms, shops, or yards, standardize routers and firmware and use the same MFA policies everywhere.

Key Resources to Learn More About Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

• Get Cyber Safe – Small Business Guides 
• Canadian Centre for Cyber Security Baseline Controls & “Top Measures” 
• CyberSecure Canada (SMB certification and how-to).
• Alberta Small Business Resources
• National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025–26 (what’s coming next).

Where MCSnet Can Help

• Reliable, business-grade connectivity for offices, farms, shops, and remote sites.
• Router and Wi-Fi upgrades to support secure segmentation and modern standards.
• Local, priority support to help you troubleshoot connectivity issues that overlap with security

To learn more about how MCSnet can assist you with your business connectivity needs, contact one of our business advisors.

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At MCSnet High-Speed Internet, we believe that education is the cornerstone of a thriving community. We understand the unique challenges that students in rural areas face when pursuing higher education, and we’re dedicated to making a difference. This scholarship program is just one way we’re investing in the future of rural Alberta.

Announcing the 2025 Scholarship Recipients

We’re excited to announce the four exceptional high school graduates from our rural Alberta service area who have been awarded a $1,000 scholarship! These four outstanding students exemplify the spirit of hard work, dedication, and community involvement that we value so highly. We’re confident that they will go on to achieve great things in their chosen fields and make significant contributions to our world.

Meet the Winners

• Abdulsamad Abdulsalam from St. Paul, studying Engineering at the University of Calgary.
• Jove Boorse from Elk Point, studying Electronics Engineering Technologist at NAIT.
• Lucas Vining from Cold Lake, studying Engineering at the University of Calgary.
• Ethan Noel from St. Paul, Studying Computer Science at the University of British Columbia (Okanagan Campus).

Thank You to All Applicants

We’d like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who submitted an application to our scholarship program and helped spread the word about the program. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and we wish you all great success in your post-secondary endeavors. To learn about the 2024 Scholarship Recipients, you can read our previous blog post.

Stay Connected

We encourage all students who will be in grade 12 during the 2025-2026 school year to apply for our 2026 scholarship. The application period will open on April 1, 2026. To be eligible for our scholarship program, you must be pursuing post-secondary education in Computer Science or related studies and reside in the MCSnet service area.

Stay Connected and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. For more information and updates visit the MCSnet scholarship page.

The post MCSnet High School Scholarship Program: Announcing our 2025 Recipients appeared first on MCSnet.

The stories are heartbreaking. And they are everywhere. 

I travel around Alberta doing fraud prevention presentations for students, seniors and communities. As I am packing up after a talk, usually a small lineup of people gathers. They have questions and comments, but many of them just need someone to talk to. They need to finally tell someone about the scam that embarrassed them, the money they lost, or the phone call that left them feeling shaken. For many, it’s the first time they’ve said it out loud and you can almost see the weight lift when they realize they’re not alone, and that being targeted doesn’t mean they’re foolish.

How do we protect those who are most vulnerable in our world? October is Cybersecurity Month and these days Artificial Intelligence (AI) is on everyone’s minds. 

So why should we be worried, what can AI do for fraudsters?

1. More convincing phishing attacks. AI can generate realistic, personalized emails, texts, or even phone scripts that copy legitimate companies or loved ones.

2. Deepfakes and voice cloning. Scammers can now clone someone’s voice or face with just a short sample. Criminals have already used AI voice clones in “grandparent scams,” tricking people into believing their relative is calling in distress. Deepfake AI videos are also very convincing. Scammers may create a video that realistically mimics a politician, a celebrity or company to try to convince you to buy a product, click on a link, or invest in something that is not legitimate. 

3. Smarter social engineering. By analyzing public information (like social media posts), AI can craft tailored scams that feel personal. This makes victims more likely to trust and respond to them. Some scammers will study a target and then use AI to craft specific messages they believe that person or business may fall for.

4. Malware attacks. AI is being used to design malware that adapts to evade detection. For instance, it may change its behaviour to slip past traditional security systems.

AI is raising the stakes. Scams are becoming more convincing and harder to detect. For everyday people, especially aging relatives, the best protection is still awareness. Knowing that scams may now sound exactly like a loved one, or look like a perfectly written email, helps people pause, double-check, and avoid being tricked.

The rapid pace of change can feel overwhelming. That’s why approaching cybersecurity conversations with aging relatives in a way that’s patient, respectful, and practical makes all the difference.

Here are some strategies to make those conversations more effective and supportive:

Start with empathy, not fear or anger

Many older adults have been told, “Don’t fall for that,” which can feel like criticism. Instead, frame the conversation around staying safe. Remind them that anyone, at any age, can be targeted. By starting with empathy, you help your loved one feel respected and less embarrassed about asking questions.

Share real-world examples 

Stories stick with people. Talk about scams you’ve read about in the news, or ones that have affected someone in your community. Examples make the issue more real and easier to remember. You can even print a short article or share a trusted website to show what scams look like.

Keep language simple

Cybersecurity terms can sound intimidating. Instead of saying “multi-factor authentication,” explain it like this: “It’s an extra code on your phone in addition to your password like putting two locks on your front door instead of one.” 

Focus on a few habits

Too many rules at once can overwhelm. Stick to the basics. 

• Don’t click on unexpected links or attachments. Never give out banking or personal information over the phone or email.
• Use strong, unique passwords or consider a password manager together.
• Keep devices updated with the latest security updates.

Teach them to pause and verify

Scammers often use urgency or fear to push quick decisions. Encourage your relative to pause, take a breath, and verify before acting. Suggest that they call the official phone number of their bank, service provider, or family member to confirm the story.

Keep the conversation going

Let them know they can always come to you if they get a strange email, phone call, or text. Reassure them that asking questions is the smartest thing they can do, not a sign of weakness. If they feel comfortable reaching out, they’ll be far less likely to fall for a scam

I see this with so many scam survivors I meet. In many cases I am the first person they have told about what happened to them. They are too embarrassed to confide in friends or family. In some instances, attempts to confide in family left them feeling judged and alone. 

Talking about cybersecurity with aging relatives isn’t just about protecting money, it’s about protecting their confidence, independence, and peace of mind. The more supported they feel, the more empowered they’ll be to make safe choices. With empathy and practical tips we can all stay safer in the digital world.

For more resources and information visit these links: 

https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en/cyber-security-awareness-month

https://www.cyber.gc.ca/en

You can also visit JulieMatthews.ca and follow her social media channels:

Instagram: @juliematthewstroubleshooter

X: @JulieMHelps

TikTok: @troubleshooterjulie

See more on MCSnet’s Cybersecurity Resource Page and Register for our Cybersecurity Webinar on October 22, HERE!

The post AI Scams Are Here: How to Protect Yourself in the Digital Age appeared first on MCSnet.

At MCSnet, we believe the true measure of our success isn’t just in the size of our network or the speed of our internet, it’s in the stories of the people who use our services every day. For over 30 years, MCSnet has been connecting families, businesses, and communities across rural Alberta, helping them stay online, stay productive, and stay connected to the world.

From gamers in Lamont to municipal leaders in St. Paul, our customers keep sharing how MCSnet has made a difference in their lives. Their experiences remind us why we continue to invest in rural connectivity and why we’re proud to call Alberta home.

Here’s what our customers are saying:

Staying Connected, Even Off the Grid

Living remotely doesn’t have to mean being disconnected. For outdoor enthusiasts and entrepreneurs like Lisa Roper, internet connection in rural Alberta isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline.

“Just because you live remotely doesn’t mean you need to be disconnected, and there are times you need to disconnect, the outdoors allow me to do that. But running a full-time business, you need that connection to do all the work you can do. The beauty is that I get to go have this wild adventure somewhere in rural Alberta, and I come back to get my work done. I don’t have to go to a city to do that. I am thankful for MCSnet for providing that for me — that’s a win.”

Lisa’s story highlights the balance rural Albertans are seeking: the freedom of the outdoors combined with the connectivity to run businesses from anywhere.

For Gamers and Streamers, MCSnet Does the Magic

Few things are more frustrating than buffering hockey games or lagging in online gaming. That was the life of the couple, Larry and Danielle from Lamont, Alberta, until they switched to MCSnet’s GigAir.

Larry shared: “Before we switched, there were a lot of outages, latency was not the best, but we switched to GigAir, and the problems went away. I haven’t had one outage since we started using MCSnet over a year ago.”

Danielle added, “Everything runs way more smoothly. My husband is able to watch his hockey games without any interruptions, and I can game without any issues.”

With GigAir, Larry and Danielle turned frustrating nights into seamless streaming and gaming.

Powering Communities and Towns

It’s not just households that rely on fast, dependable internet, entire communities benefit when their public spaces are connected. Steven Jeffery, Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of St. Paul, shared how MCSnet has transformed local facilities:

“It’s been a wonderful change to be able to provide public connectivity to buildings like the arena, the golf course, the clubhouse. It’s amazing to be able to have great, reliable, fast internet connection.”

For towns like St. Paul, connectivity is more than convenience; it’s community growth, stronger infrastructure, and opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Reliability and Support You Can Count On

For Marsha Hayward, MCSnet has been more than just an internet provider, it’s been a partner through years of work, study, and life in rural Alberta.

“I have been an MCSnet customer for approximately 10 years. Previous to this, I had access to only dial-up internet or terrible technical service and signals from other providers. There has only been twice where out internet was down in all of this time. But the best thing about MCSnet has been the technical support. The technical team are wonderful—patient, courteous, and always help me solve my problems.

At Crane Lake, we have a huge hill which greatly interrupts signals to internet. With MCSnet here, that has been eliminated. There is an MCSnet tower and a radio right on top of our hill which connects to the receiver on our roof.

And recently, the fiber optics crews have been here trenching-in cable. Once technicians come this fall, we will have even better service. As a rural resident and a university student online, this has been
invaluable!”

Marsha’s experience reflects the reliability, innovation, and dedicated support that sets MCSnet apart.

From a Referral to a Decade of Reliable Connection

For Brenda Mueller of rural Strathcona County, MCSnet has been the right choice for over 10 years since she got referred by a friend.

“We were reffered to MCSnet by friends when we moved to rural Strathcona County 10 years ago and we’re so glad we took our friends’ advice. MCSnet has been a great provider of our Internet service. We have never had a problem or a price increase. Thank you!!”

Sometimes the best advertising is a simple recommendation from a trusted friend, and Brenda’s story shows how loyalty builds over time.

New Customers, Smooth Start

Switching providers can feel daunting, but Melina Armitage found the process seamless:

“Recently joined and loving everything. Set up was quick and easy, the technician was very professional. Internet works amazing and I have no issues at all. Would highly recommend.”

For new customers, first impressions matter and MCSnet’s fast, professional installations leave lasting confidence.

For MCSnet, it’s About Transforming Lives

From powering rural businesses to bringing families together over movie nights and game streams, MCSnet continues to provide more than just internet; we deliver connections that matter. Our customers’ stories prove that whether you’ve been with us for a decade or just a few months, and whatever your internet needs are, you can count on us for fast speeds, reliable service, and support that feels personal.

Ready to experience the difference? Explore our business and residential internet plans and see why so many Albertans trust MCSnet.

To see more great reviews from our satisfied customers, view our Google Reviews. We have been known to randomly select Google Reviews and Social Media comments/mentions with a credit to your internet bill and in turn putting more cash in our customers pockets.

Stay Connected with MCSnet

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

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