Thousands of rural and northern Manitoba homes are set to gain access to high-speed internet through a major new broadband expansion.

The federal and provincial governments are partnering with municipalities, First Nations and Valley Fiber on the multi-year project, which is expected to reach more than 10-thousand homes.

The overall project is valued at 157-million dollars and will use a combination of private investment and government support.

Manitoba Innovation and New Technology Minister Mike Moroz says northern communities have waited too long for the same level of internet service other Manitobans take for granted.