More residents and businesses in rural southern Ontario will soon be in the fast lane with access to high-speed Internet services in their communities, announced Chatham-Kent-Essex MPP Pat Hoy.
“In today’s economy, high-speed is essential for success and growth. This program is an investment in the future prosperity of Rural Ontario and the McGuinty government is eager to help make that prosperity a reality,” said Hoy.
Announced today by Agriculture Minister Leona Dombrowsky, the Province is investing $30 million over the next four years to expand high-speed access to under-serviced communities in rural southern Ontario.
The government is teaming up with municipalities and the private sector to continue closing access gaps in under-serviced areas in rural southern Ontario. High-speed Internet access in rural areas will help stimulate job growth and economic development.
The government is now accepting applications for the Rural Connections Broadband Program. For more information and application documents, interested municipalities can visit www.ontario.ca/rural or call 1-888-588-4111.
“This investment will give small and medium-sized businesses the ability to grow and compete in markets around the world,” said Hoy. “It will provide opportunities to participate in the knowledge economy, and foster entrepreneurship and innovation in rural areas.”
In 2007, 18 municipalities received funding under Rural Connections. The investment aimed to bring high-speed Internet access to 200,000 citizens in rural southern Ontario.
Discover more about Rural Connections and how it can benefit your community by visiting: www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/rural/ruralconnections/broadband.htm.
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Quelle/Source: The Chatham Daily News, 26.06.2008
