Categories
Mobile Syrup

Federal-provincial partnership to bring high-speed internet to all PEI homes

Every home in Prince Edward Island will have access to high-speed internet, government officials promise.

A joint partnership through the Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island has led to a $20 million commitment for projects connecting every underserved home in rural parts of the province.

The funds will connect 2,000 homes that currently don’t have access to high-speed internet. Details outlining the specifics aren’t available.

“We need to close the connectivity gap and ensure that every nook and cranny of Prince Edward Island has access to reliable high-speed internet. Whether that’s from Tignish to Summerside, Murray Harbour to Souris or North Rustico, we are getting Islanders connected,” Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, said.

The federal government is immediately investing $1.5 million to bring high-speed internet to 1,000 homes, granting contracts to Island Telecom and Xplornet. The move will immediately benefit 56 communities across the province.

The contract adds to Xplornet’s work in the province, which most recently announced its fibre network was available to hundreds of homes and businesses in Vernon Bridge and surrounding communities.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Governments of Canada and Quebec announce joint investments for high-speed internet

The governments of Canada and Quebec are investing almost $200,000 each to bring high-speed internet services to 55 rural households in the province.

The investments will benefit the communities of L’Épiphanie, Boucherville, and Bromont. The governments have tasked telecom giant Bell with the projects.

“High-speed internet connectivity is essential, not only for telework but also for the social and economic development of the regions. Jobs, courses, social activities and even health care happen online now,” Gilles Bélanger, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier of Quebec, said.

Image credit: Shutterstock 

Source: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Telus to create 7,000 jobs in Quebec over the next four years

Vancouver-based telecom giant Telus is investing $11 billion in Quebec over the next four years.

The investment will go towards network infrastructure, operations, and spectrum across the province, creating 7,000 jobs. The move will also connect 350,000 homes with high-speed internet in Chaudière-Appalaches, Estrie, Lower St. Lawrence, Mauricie and North Shore.

“Through our investment, we are supporting the social and economic vibrancy of Quebec and ensuring that every member of our society has access to the technology that yields the opportunity to realize their full potential,” Darren Entwistle, Telus’ president said.

The move is part of a $70 billion investment that will see improvements rolled out throughout the country over the next four years. Telus announced $17 billion in similar investments for Alberta earlier this month.

Source: Telus

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Federal government funds $5 million high-speed internet project for Alberta through UBF

The Government of Canada is investing $5 million to bring high-speed internet access to 7,339 homes in Alberta.

Ottawa has awarded the funding to Switch Incorporated and the Alberta municipality of Clearwater County.

Nordegg, Hay Lakes, New Sarepta, Cooking Lake, Collingwood Cove and Tofield are the communities that will benefit.

“Canadians require internet infrastructure that is affordable, reliable and accessible,” Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism, said.

“With today’s announcement, our government continues to deliver for rural Albertans and ensure that they have access to the high-speed internet they deserve.”

The funding comes through the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF), a federal program that funds internet projects. A map outlining other projects financed by the UBF is available here.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Develop Nova Scotia to bring high-speed internet to 400 homes through new deals with Eastlink and Bell

Develop Nova Scotia has signed contracts with Eastlink and Bell to bring high-speed internet to 400 homes and businesses in the province.

Eastlink will provide access to 66 homes and businesses in Annapolis Valley. The company is also working with Develop Nova Scotia to reach other areas in the province. Develop Nova Scotia says Eastlink will complete the project between November 2022 and January 2023.

Bell will bring the service to 333 homes and businesses in smaller areas and complete the project by December 2023.

Develop Nova Scotia, a provincial crown corporation, is working to bring high-speed internet projects across the province. It has already provided new or upgraded internet access to 60,000 locations.

“Together with our internet service provider partners, we are working hard to ensure projects underway are delivered on time and to identify solutions for the remaining homes and businesses,” Jennifer Angel, President and CEO of Develop Nova Scotia. “Thanks to this announcement with Bell and Eastlink, we are one step closer to our goal.”

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: Develop Nova Scotia 

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Rogers launches Ignite Internet with 2.5Gbps

Rogers has launched new internet packages and bundles with 2.5Gbps upload and download speeds.

Customers currently subscribing to the telecom giant’s Ignite Internet Gigabit 1.5 service will automatically be upgraded at no extra cost. The service is available in select areas of Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland.

“Access to high-speed internet is critical and we are committed to bringing our fibre-powered network to more communities and neighbourhoods so customers will have access to our full suite of services,” Robert Dépatie, president of Rogers home and business decision, said.

The move follows the company’s recent announcement it successfully tested its network to deliver 8Gbps upload and download speeds. Rogers has completed both lab and consumer trials and will be releasing the service in select communities this summer.

Source: Rogers

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Governments of Canada and Ontario announce $56 million investment for rural internet services

The governments of Canada and Ontario will collectively provide $56 million in funding to bring high-speed internet to 6,500 homes.

Funding will cover six projects in First Nation communities and homes in rural northern and southwestern Ontario.

The move is part of both governments initiatives to bring high-speed internet to residence across the province.

“Reliable high-speed internet allows us to learn, attend school and work remotely, and it allows small businesses to serve customers. But too many rural communities still do not have access to high-speed Internet,” Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister, said. “Broadband access is critical for our country’s economic growth and recovery, and our government is committed to making sure no community is left behind.”

The two governments also shared details Tuesday relating to a $1.2 billion funding announcement they collectively made in July 2021. The money will bring high-speed internet to nearly 280,000 rural Ontario households.

  • Bell received seven contracts totalling more than $173 million to bring high-speed internet to roughly 28,155 homes.
  • Cogeco was awarded five contracts valued at $23.8 million to bring internet to 4,482 households.
  • Digital Infrastructure Group received one contract worth $45 million to benefit 13,448 households.
  • Execulink Telecom was awarded one contract worth $3.6 million to benefit 656 homes.
  • Huron Telecommunications Co-operative received five contracts valued at roughly $4.5 million to bring high-speed internet to 897 households.
  • Keewaytinook Okimakanak received two contracts worth $59.4 million to benefit 3,242 households.
  • Matawa First Nations Management received one contract worth $62.6 million to benefit 689 households.
  • Mornington Communications received one contract valued at $11.6 million to bring high-speed internet to 1,390 homes.
  • Quadro Communications was awarded three contracts worth $3.8 million to benefit 558 homes.
  • Tuckersmith Communications received a contract worth $10.6 million to bring high-speed internet to 1,191 homes.
  • Vianet received $352,850 to help 117 homes.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Governments of Ontario and Canada allocate millions for high-speed internet in Southwestern Ontario communities

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing $24 million to improve access to high-speed internet in 1,180 households in rural Ontario.

The communities include Brooke-Alvinston, Inwood, Oakdale, Oil City, Oil Springs, Pelee Island, Wheatley Harbour, Elmdale, rural areas near Tilbury, Birr, Clandeboye, Denfield and Lucan.

“Access to reliable, high-speed internet is equally as important to rural residents and businesses as it is to those in larger urban centres,” Bob Bailey, MPP for Sarnia-Lambton, said.

The two governments entered a $1.2 billion partnership in July 2021 to support projects that will provide high-speed internet access to 280,000 rural and remote projects in Ontario.

Earlier this week, the two governments announced $6 million to connect 1,191 homes with high-speed internet under that agreement.

“By working together with our federal partners and internet service providers, we are expanding access to high-speed internet to more communities across the province — including in Southwestern Ontario — so everyone can access critical health services, learn, work, start a business, and connect with their loved ones–all online,” Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure, said.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Bell expands fibre internet to Pickering, Ontario

Bell has expanded its pure fibre internet to the City of Pickering, Ontario.

The expansion will bring high-speed internet services to 21,000 homes and businesses in urban and rural parts of the city.

It will provide 100 percent fibre connections with download speeds up to 1.5Gbps. Bell will complete the expansion by 2025.

“At a time when fast and reliable internet connections are more important than ever, we’re proud to bring our pure fibre connections and world-leading internet and TV services to more households and businesses in Pickering as part of our long-standing objective to connect Canadians in communities throughout Ontario and across our footprint,” Bruce Furlong, senior vice president of network at Bell, said.

Bell made similar announcements for network expansions in Georgina, Ontario and the communities of Memramcook and St. Martins in New Brunswick.

Source: Bell

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Ontario government launches high-speed internet pilot project in Municipality of Brighton

The Government of Ontario has partnered with Hydro One to launch a pilot program to expand high-speed internet in Brighton.

Hydro One will use its existing infrastructure to fast-track high-speed internet developments in the municipality, saving money and time. Once completed, it will connect 1,450 homes and businesses.

If the project is successful, it could lead to similar initiatives in other rural communities.

“By leveraging existing infrastructure and removing barriers to high-speed internet expansion, more Ontarians will be able to access better and faster internet services sooner,” Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure, said in a statement.

The project is part of the government’s plan to reach 100 percent access to connectivity by 2025.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: Government of Ontario