Faster, More Reliable Internet Coming to Rural Newfoundland and Labrador

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan. 19, 2016) - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

The Internet is a tool that spurs economic growth, broadens business opportunities and connects Canadian communities, friends and family from coast to coast to coast. Bell Aliant is receiving a total of up to $755,370 from the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador to increase broadband Internet access in five rural communities in the Springdale area and help keep Canada at the leading edge of the digital economy.

The funding was announced today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development; and the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador's Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development. The Government of Canada will contribute up to $503,580. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Bell Aliant will each contribute $251,790.

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. Through the Government of Canada's Connecting Canadians program and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's Rural Broadband Initiative, many more households in the vicinity of Beachside, St. Patricks, Little Bay, Harry's Harbour and Silverdale will have access to broadband at speeds of 5 megabits per second (Mbps).

Quick facts

• The $305-million Connecting Canadians program will extend and enhance broadband service to over 280,000 households across Canada.
• The Connecting Canadians program is part of the Government of Canada's comprehensive approach to improving Internet access in rural and remote areas, which also includes spectrum auctions that promote private sector investment.

Quotes

"Access to faster, more reliable broadband Internet brings enormous benefits to Canadians in rural and remote regions. It offers greater employment and business opportunities as well as improved access to online education, e-health and other online services-the foundations of an innovative economy. The Government of Canada is pleased to partner with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Bell Aliant to deliver expanded broadband coverage to underserved communities across Newfoundland and Labrador."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"Our government is pleased to collaborate with the private sector and our federal partners through the Connecting Canadians program. These partnerships enable us to expand broadband Internet even further in our province through the best and most appropriate technology available. Improved Internet service makes a significant difference to the prosperity of our rural communities, and we are committed to continuing to work together to improve the province's communications capacity."

- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador's Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

"In today's modern economy, having access to fast, reliable broadband Internet is vitally important to the rural communities of Newfoundland and Labrador. I am pleased to join ministers Bains and Mitchelmore in welcoming this important investment in our local economy. The funding announced today will help bring new opportunities and access to the people in these communities, and will enable to them to thrive here at home."

- Scott Simms, Member of Parliament, Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame

"Today's announcement is another example of how Bell Aliant is working with both federal and provincial governments to expand broadband to additional communities in rural and remote areas of Atlantic Canada. We're proud that through this partnership, more residents of Newfoundland and Labrador will have access to our high-speed network."

- Dan McKeen, Senior Vice President and Vice Chair Atlantic, Bell Aliant

Associated link

Connecting Canadians website

Follow the Minister on Twitter: @MinisterISED