Major investment across the province by Alberta-based company, Axia NetMedia Corporation, will ensure more rural Albertans have access to world-class fibre connectivity to their homes and businesses at affordable prices.

Calgary, AB – Homegrown technology company and world leaders in fibre networks, Axia NetMedia Corporation (Axia), announces a $100 million investment in new fibre infrastructure to connect 40 more rural Alberta communities. This will allow residents and business to experience unparalleled connectivity and reliability. With Axia’s high-speed fibre connection, customers in rural communities can expect enhanced and expanded services, as well as improved business productivity and competitiveness for their communities.

“Business opportunities that rely on powerful networks should not just be limited to major urban centres,” says Axia Chairman and CEO Art Price. “Fibre enables individuals and businesses to benefit from high-quality, cost-effective connectivity wherever they live or work in Alberta. It’s truly transformational.”

In July 2016, Axia and funds advised and/or managed by Partners Group, the global private markets investment manager, jointly announced the completion of a share acquisition that has provided Axia with access to significant capital for future investment. The initial investment of $100 million will bring fibre to 40 underserved communities across rural Alberta. “To compete, Albertans must embrace technology to engage with and contribute to the global economy increasing the demand for digital connectivity everywhere in Alberta” says Price.

Axia has a successful track record of servicing Albertans with broadband access, having partnered with the Government of Alberta almost two decades ago to construct and operate the SuperNet - a reliable, high-speed fibre network that interconnects urban centres and rural communities.

“Alberta is our home so we are thrilled to announce this significant investment designed to build on the SuperNet - a provincial fibre grid enabling a connected Alberta whose choice is to engage the world,” says Price. “This investment, made possible by having access to the SuperNet, will ensure that Alberta will continue to lead Canada as the most connected province in the Country.”

“We are very pleased to be supporting Axia in its mission to deliver high-quality fibre connectivity to more rural communities. We hope that our experience in building out successful infrastructure platforms and expertize in the communications sector in particular will prove invaluable as Axia continues to build out its network,” says Brandon Prater, Partner and Co-Head Private Infrastructure, at Partners Group.

About Axia NetMedia Corporation – Axia has developed fibre optic communications infrastructure in Canada, the United States, France and Singapore. In Alberta, Axia’s Fibre to the Premise is currently active in Vulcan, Nanton, Barnwell, Nobleford, Stirling, Pincher Creek, Raymond and Magrath. 

About Partners Group - Partners Group is a global private markets investment management firm with over EUR 49 billion (USD 55 billion) in investment programs under management in private equity, private real estate, private infrastructure and private debt. The firm manages a broad range of customized portfolios for an international clientele of institutional investors. Partners Group is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland and has offices in San Francisco, Denver, Houston, New York, São Paulo, London, Guernsey, Paris, Luxembourg, Milan, Munich, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Manila, Shanghai, Seoul, Tokyo and Sydney. The firm employs over 850 people and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (symbol: PGHN) with a major ownership by its partners and employees.

Media inquiries:

Weston Jacques

Communications Specialist
Axia (403) 836 2635
weston.jacques@axia.com