The Ford government says it has a $315-million plan to improve Internet and cell phone service to rural and remote communities.
Premier Doug Ford says no community will be left behind in the 21st century.
Ford says “Think of this, 12% of Ontario communities don’t have access to fast, reliable and affordable Internet and cell service.”
“People in our rural communities deserve the same level of service that the rest of Ontario enjoys and relies on every single day.”
The strategy includes $150-million for a new broadband fund.
It’s designed to encourage investment from other levels of government as well as the private sector.
Infrastructure Minister Laurie Scott says the plan is important noting “people can find themselves at risk during emergency, when travelling on some rural roads where cell service routinely drops out.”
Scott says the five year plan is expected to draw about $1-billion in total investments and improve services to 220,000 homes and businesses.
Today our government announced a plan to improve Internet and cell phone service for up to 220,000 new homes & businesses in rural and remote communities. We're committed to helping businesses, families and farms stay connected – no matter where they live. https://t.co/Tc0ttXV0ab pic.twitter.com/F7vLydqiKx
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) July 23, 2019
