Connecting Manitobans
History of WCG
WCG has a rich history and a proven record of putting members first. Our roots run deep in the Westman region, beginning in Brandon, Manitoba. Times may change, but our commitment to local connection hasn’t wavered for over 45 years.
45+ Years
From humble beginnings to industry leaders, our journey has been extraordinary.
Ever since our initial launch as Westman Media Co-operative in 1977, our mission has always been to bring positive change to the lives of our valued members. To this day, our commitment holds strong, as we work tirelessly to link communities together with essential communication services.
Discover our Timeline of AchievementsHistory
For more than 45 years, Westman Communications Group has been on an exciting and evolving journey, embracing and delivering the latest technologies and services. Take a stroll down memory lane and explore our company's milestones.
1978
Our first television broadcast is sent down the cable to 3,951 homes in Brandon and 143 in Carberry on September 19th, 1978.1999
WCG is the first to launch a new digital technology called HITS (Head-End-In-The-Sky), enabling Brandon to receive Digital Television. Even Toronto didn’t have this technology yet!2001
The High School Scholarship program launches to support the next generation, helping students in our communities progress.2001
WCGtv introduces a new mobile production unit, furthering its commitment to highlight local events, initiatives, and people that matter most.2004
WCG announces it is one of the first cable companies in North America to offer fully digital television services, initially launching in Brandon, Minnedosa, Neepawa, and Carberry, while also boosting WAVE service with Internet speeds now exceeding 3Mbps.2008
WCG is certified as a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) and introduces its Home Phone service to Brandon. This service was subsequently made available in Shilo, Carberry, Minnedosa, Neepawa and Dauphin.2010
WCG launches Fibre to the Home (FTTH) in Brandon, and boosts WAVE speeds to 9Mbps and UltraNet to 12Mbps2010
WCG receives the Outstanding Medium Business Award from the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce.2010
Digital Video Recorders (DVR) expanders are made available, allowing subscribers to expand their storage tenfold.2014
WCG is named one of the Top 25 Employers in Manitoba, while WCGtv wins the National Sports Programming Award from the Canadian Cable Systems Alliance (CCSA). Additionally, Westman is awarded $1,000 to donate to a local charity, with the Brandon Humane Society chosen as the recipient.2019
WCG is selected as one of Manitoba’s Top 30 Employers!2019
The Connecting Westman Tour kicks off to help communities raise money for the initiatives or charities they care about through fundraising barbecue events.2021
The Connecting Westman Funding Program launches to provide $25,000 in funding for education-based initiatives across WCG communities. The Program has positively impacted students' lives and has helped get projects off the ground.2021
InfiniTV launches as the newest way to experience television.2021
WCGtv wins the Tuned-In Canada CCSA Award: Best Content: Community Channel Programming2022
WCG is awarded the Cooperative Achievement Award by the Manitoba Cooperative Association.2022
WCG invests $1.4 million to increase Internet speeds for all WCG members.2023
The WCG Board of Directors appoints Eagle J. (Bud) Keys as President & CEO of WCG.2023
WCG finalizes the sale of local radio stations Q Country 91.5 and 94.7 Star FM to Pattison Media.2023
All WCG services are expanded to Wasagaming, making WCG the first Internet Service Provider to deliver fibre Internet to a Manitoban national park.2024
WCG successfully secures $8 million from CRTC Broadband Fund to help bring fibre-based Internet to more communities in Manitoba.2024
Dauphin-based wireless Internet provider, Rionet, is acquired by WCG to expand services to rural northern communities.2024
Westman Communications Business Solutions Launches SmartBiz; an all-in-one Internet and managed Wi-Fi solution for local businesses.
2025
WCG launches Connect Internet and substantially increases Internet speeds across the majority of its packages. Connect Wi-Fi | Protector is also launched to provide enhanced network management tools.
Today
As your local cooperative, we're deeply committed to fostering a brighter future. Together, we forge pathways to progress, uniting our efforts towards a shared vision. Our dedication extends beyond mere service; it's a promise to cultivate enhanced opportunities for our members, communities, and valued employees alike. We are local, we are Westman Communications Group, and we are building towards a thriving tomorrow.
Connecting Manitobans with reliable services
WCG is proud to offer reliable Internet services to over 80 communities across Manitoba. With a variety of speeds and affordable options, it’s easy to choose the local option.