Nearly $40 million will be invested to bring high-speed internet service to some 1,500 households in 70 rural and remote communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Premier Dwight Ball and MP Seamus O’Regan made the announcement today, Jan. 2, on behalf of federal Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains.
The federal government is contributing $26.88 million to the initiative, $24.78 from Connect to Innovate, a federal program that aims to provide underserved communities with Internet access at speeds of five megabits per second or more. The other $2.1 million will come from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
As well, the provincial government will add $1.57 million, while $11.52 million will come from other contributors.
“This investment will help make a significant difference in enhancing productivity and competitiveness in many rural and remote communities across our province,” Ball said in a news release.
“Improved access to high-speed Internet allows hard-working Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to become more engaged in the digital economy, seize new business opportunities, and connect with friends and family around the world.”
