Today, the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador are announcing up to $94 million in joint funding for Bell and Xplore to bring high-speed Internet access to over 36,000 homes in over 350 rural, remote and Indigenous communities throughout the province.
This funding is part of an existing agreement between the Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada. In February 2022, the two levels of government announced a historic partnership to invest up to $136 million to connect all remaining rural, remote and Indigenous homes throughout the province to high-speed Internet.
Collaborating to provide better internet services to residents of rural, remote and northern communities in Newfoundland and Labrador will help create jobs and contribute to the economic growth of the entire province.
Today’s announcement builds upon the Government of Canada’s progress toward making sure that 98 per cent of Canadians have access to high-speed Internet by 2026, and 100 per cent by 2030. The Government of Canada will continue to make investments in infrastructure to build strong communities and a more competitive and resilient Canada for everyone
Quotes
“Unlocking the potential of large-scale broadband expansion is a tremendous opportunity to connect more and more residents in our province. By collaborating with the Government of Canada and internet service providers, we are investing in communities and people, spurring economic growth and improving access to a range of services, from health care to educational opportunities.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“We all know that Internet is no longer a luxury in this day and age—it’s a necessity. That’s why our federal government made a historic commitment to connect 98 per cent of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to high-speed Internet by 2026, and 100 per cent by 2030. Today’s announcement in Ferryland marks a significant milestone for the Internet highway in our province, by committing the funding to provide reliable high-speed Internet access through Bell and Xplore to the more than 36,000 underserved homes in over 350 rural, remote and Indigenous communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development and MP Long Range Mountains
“Reliable high-speed Internet access is a key contributor to the development of communities both large and small, and we’re proud to partner with the Government of Canada and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador to expand our all-fibre broadband network to even more communities. Through our own fully funded investments and through partnerships like this, Bell continues to deliver on our purpose to advance how Canadians connect with each other and the world.”
Glen LeBlanc
Chief Financial Officer of BCE Inc and Bell Canada, and Bell’s Vice Chair, Atlantic Canada
“We are pleased to be working alongside the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador to bring fibre Internet to more rural communities across the province. With roots in Atlantic Canada, Xplore is committed to delivering gigabit-speed connectivity so that residents can more fully enjoy rural living and local businesses have an enhanced opportunity to participate in the digital economy.”
Allison Lenehan
President and Chief Executive Officer, Xplore Inc.
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Learn more
Connecting Rural Households in Newfoundland and Labrador to High-Speed Internet
High-speed Internet for all of Canada
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