Government of Canada announces major investment that will bring high-speed Internet to over 820 households in Newfoundland and Labrador
July 25, 2015 – St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador – Industry Canada
Everyday tasks that were once done in person, such as shopping, communicating, learning and banking, are now done online. To help Canadians have better access to these and many other online opportunities, the Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry, today announced that the Government of Canada will provide Bell Alliant with up to $611,320, along with $291,910 from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador through the Rural Broadband Initiative, to connect over 820 homes in Newfoundland and Labrador to high-speed Internet. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will partner with Bell Aliant and the Government of Canada on most of the components of this project, with the Government of Canada and Bell Aliant additionally partnering to support new or improved high-speed services in Tilting and Red Cliff.
Minister Moore highlighted that over 820 households in 14 communities will benefit from today's announcement. The project is expected to be completed by July 1, 2017, delivering Internet to homes at a minimum speed of five megabits per second (Mbps).
For Canadians who live in communities with slow or no Internet, access to high-speed services will lead to new economic opportunities and the creation of new jobs, products and services.
By Canada's 150th birthday in 2017, over 98 percent of Canadian households will be able to subscribe to new or improved high-speed Internet services, delivering on the Government of Canada's commitment to rural Canadians.
Jake Enwright
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Industry
343-291-2500
Media Relations
Industry Canada
343-291-1777
media-relations-medias@ic.gc.ca