The Provincial Government has announced $150 million for rural broadband and cellular access in Ontario.
This piece of the broadband puzzle will help underserved rural Ontario and remote areas.
Premier Doug Ford hopes it will help connect 620 thousand businesses, households and families who don’t currently have high speed internet.
“We’re partnering with municipalities, indigenous communities and the private sector to deliver these critical projects,” said the Premier.
It’s hoped that $500 million could soon come via partner funding for the project too.
First intakes will happen this summer. Ford wants the Feds to pitch in with money too, but this hasn’t been secured yet.
Today’s announcement is part of $315 million committed by the Province to the effort last year.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce adds that the future depends on a full embrace of the digital economy.
He says his Ministry is ensuring internet will be in every high school by September – it’s also leveraged 200,000 computers and 21,000 I-pads, which are going to schools and students.
To watch the Premier’s full June 3rd address, see below.
https://www.facebook.com/FordNationDougFord/videos/920757575030087/?q=Ford%20Nation&epa=SEARCH_BOX