Columbia Basin Trust's initiative to bring fiber internet to rural Kootenay communities.
The Connect the Basin project is one of the largest rural fiber initiatives in British Columbia. Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is investing millions to bring fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) internet to communities that have historically been underserved. FlexiNET Broadband is part of this project, working as the local Internet Service Provider (ISP) utilizing CBT's regional backbone infrastructure for your home or business fiber internet services.
Driving through rural Kootenay communities, we hope you will have seen the FlexiNET signs. These signs indicate that your community is part of the Connect the Basin fiber build footprint.
When you see the FlexiNET signs in your community, it means your area is part of the fiber build footprint. Fiber infrastructure is being planned or installed in your neighborhood.
When fiber reaches your neighbourhood, the next step is "last mile" connections to individual homes. FlexiNET handles these final connections as CBT's local partner.
This CBT project means free fiber drops to eligible homes and FlexiNET fiber internet at no installation cost.
FlexiNET and Columbia Basin Trust have a long historical relationship to provide internet services throughout the Kootenays. Both FlexiNET and CBT are championed with the Ktunaxa Nation, the regional districts, and municipal areas to support all these initiatives.
FlexiNET's own fibre projects working in conjunction with the CBT projects show the shared goals and coordinated planning throughout the Columbia Basin. We understand the terrain, the communities, and the unique challenges of connecting rural homes.
While CBT provides the regional fiber backbone, FlexiNET handles the "last mile" connections—ensuring your home is connected to the internet and activating your FlexiNET service.
FlexiNET, owned by the Ktunaxa Nation, aligned with CBT, and the regional districts, holds deep roots in the communities we serve. We understand the local landscape and are committed to keeping service local so we can provide the best available services.
While you wait for fiber to reach your specific address, FlexiNET can provide high-speed wireless internet now—with priority migration to fiber when it's available in your area.
Yes! Columbia Basin Trust is funding the fiber drop at no cost to eligible residents. This means free installation when you sign up with FlexiNET.
View the fiber coverage map to see where fiber is planned for your community. The Connect the Basin project is rolling out in phases through 2025-2027.
FlexiNET offers high-speed wireless internet in many areas where fiber is still being installed. You'll get priority fiber installation when it reaches your address.
CBT is a Trust created in 1995 to support efforts by and for the people of the Columbia Basin. CBT has invested well over $50 million in broadband infrastructure to connect Basin communities.
Contact FlexiNET today to check eligibility and get on the list for fiber installation in your area. Call 1-250-489-3539 or contact us online.
Columbia Basin Trust and FlexiNET recognize that high-speed internet is essential for rural communities to thrive—supporting economic development, education, healthcare, and quality of life.
Ready to get fiber internet? Or have questions about the Connect the Basin project in your area?