For most Manitobans, reliable, high-speed Internet has become a basic necessity similar to electricity or running water.

However, there are pockets of rural Manitoba, especially in the extreme southeast corner, where Internet service is almost non-existent.

To help address the issue, Community Futures Triple R Corporation has sent out a survey to find out how residents would rate their Internet speed, reliability, customer support and affordability. The information collected will be provided to Industry Canada in hopes of creating awareness about the problem.

Community Futures CEO Debbi Fortier says the push to improve Internet and cell service in rural areas has been on-going for about 15 years.

She explains why it's vital for rural Manitobans to have access to reliable, high-speed Internet.

"You can't attract business without it," she said. "Businesses, that is one of the main things that they need. In order for these communities to be able to grow and to be able to attract business or even retain business we need Internet service in their communities."

NetSet Communications, based out of Brandon, recently won a bid for federal funding to provide high-speed Internet to rural and remote regions. The company explained their proposal to municipal officials in St. Pierre-Jolys on September 22, 2015 at a meeting that was facilitated by Triple R Community Futures.

Fortier says independent service providers will have an opportunity to explain what they are doing to improve service at a meeting planned for late-October.