Eastern Ontario communities to benefit from faster Internet
News Release
$250,000 investment will bring high-speed Internet to more than 200 households
January 25, 2017 – Ottawa – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Up to 220 households in rural Eastern Ontario will benefit from a Government of Canada investment to improve high-speed Internet service to underserved communities. This investment will allow residents in the townships of Rideau Lakes, Tay Valley, South Frontenac, and Leeds and the Thousand Islands to participate fully in the digital economy.
The investment of $250,000 in WTC Communications was announced today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. The funding is being allocated through Connecting Canadians, a federal program that provides underserved communities with Internet access at speeds of five megabits per second or more.
The Government of Canada's Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation—one that drives economic growth and leads to better skills, jobs and opportunities for all Canadians. Access to high-speed Internet allows Canadians to compete in a global and digital world.
Quotes
"Internet access is now an essential part of everyday life. Canadians go online for education, health services, entertainment and shopping. Faster Internet connections allow Canadians to innovate and to get the skills and training they need to qualify for well-paying jobs. The smallest businesses, no matter where they are located, can participate in the global marketplace and achieve global scale with faster Internet service. We can no longer consider high-speed Internet a luxury."
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
"We're honoured to have been chosen to bring expanded Internet access to communities throughout our service area, in partnership with the federal government and the Connecting Canadians program. This project further demonstrates our 85-year commitment to providing the latest technical innovations to rural communities in the Rideau Lakes area and our continuing dedication to providing innovative service to rural homes and businesses."
– Steve Lynn, CEO, WTC Communications
Quick facts
- The $305-million Connecting Canadians program will extend and enhance broadband service to approximately 300,000 households across Canada.
- Additionally, the Government of Canada recently launched the new $500-million Connect to Innovate program to extend and enhance broadband service in rural and remote communities.
Associated links
Follow Minister Bains on social media.
Twitter: @MinisterISED
Contacts
Philip Proulx
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation,
Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca
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