The larger communities/towns/cities usually have private companies providing Internet for a fee. But I never have had any problem finding a free open connection. In the smaller communities, especially as you get farther away from the US-Canada border headed north, I have yet to find anyplace that doesn't have a free connection somewhere in the village. In the village of Kitwanga, BC, the parking lot at the town office is a good internet spot. Sometimes I have to go inside the libraries or other public buildings.
As others have mentioned, many businesses offer internet service through Canada. In Alaska , many public facilities, such as hotels, schools, churches have useable service from their parking lots. I figure if the don't want me using it in the evening, then keep the signal out of my vehicle. LOL
A number of years back, Alaska put in a rural TV service known as RATNET, ( Rural Alaska TV Network). They used state owned satellites to broadcast a signal to a central dish in the village where it was re-broadcast throughout the community. Then a few years back, one of the private companies, operating in Alaska, was allowed to piggyback on the state system , to provide cell and internet service to most all small villages, no matter how remote.
They were hopeful that in Bethel Alaska that they would get 60 people to sign up for cell service the first year. In reality, they had over 600 people sign up the first month.
There was also a fiber optic cable run along side the Alaska Hwy, but I think it is privately owned and expensive to use. In places as you drive the highway, you can see this cable suspended over creeks, rivers, etc.
joe b.
Stuart Florida
Formerly of Colorado and Alaska
2016 Fleetwood Flair 31 B Class A w/bunks
www.picturetrail.com/jbpacooper
Alaska-Colorado and other Trips posted
"Without challenge, adventure is impossible".
