THUNDER BAY - The provincial government is investing millions into expanding access to broadband internet and cellular service for rural and northern communities across Ontario.
During the daily media briefing on Wednesday, Premier Doug Ford announced an investment of $150 million for reliable broadband and cellular service to create more economic and educational opportunities for remote communities.
“As we carefully restart the economic engine of Canada, every region and every community will play a role in bringing jobs and prosperity back to our province," Ford said. "By investing in reliable broadband and cellular service, we are helping to create greater opportunity for our families, farmers and small business owners in rural and remote areas of this great province."
The $150 million investment is part of the province’s $350 million broadband and cellular action plan and the Improving Connectivity in Ontario, or ICON, program.
According to the province, when leveraged the ICON program has the potential to result in an investment of up to $500 million in total partner funding to improve connectivity in underserved and unserved areas.
Telecom companies, municipal governments, First Nation communities, and non-profits can submit proposals and the province will fund a portion of each approved project.
"By doing their part and staying home to help stop the spread of COVID-19, the people of Ontario have demonstrated the need to be connected to learn, work, and run their businesses," said Minister of Infrastructure, Laurie Scott.
"It appears that functioning remotely will continue to be a regular way of life for many in this new environment, and fast reliable Internet will be critical. The ICON program is an important step towards bridging the digital divide in Ontario."
The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission reports that up to 12 per cent of Ontario households in rural and remote areas do not have adequate access to telecommunication services.
With students across the province out of the classroom and learning form home due to the COVID-19, access to reliable internet has become more crucial than ever.
“Access to high-speed Internet is foundational to our young people's success in learning, working, and innovating, today and into the future," said Minister of Education Stephen Lecce.
"Our government is taking action by connecting all schools to broadband, starting with high schools this September 2020 and elementary schools by September 2021. It is also why we are calling on the federal government to step up their investment to connect the next generation of thinkers and workers to the modern and digital economy."
