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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
VICTORIA – Another 32 rural B.C. communities will soon have access to high-speed Internet service from local Internet service providers (ISPs), thanks to a partnership between the Province and TELUS, Labour and Citizens’ Services Minister Michael de Jong and TELUS president of Business Solutions Joe Natale announced today.
In April 2005, the Province and TELUS announced the plan to connect 119 rural communities to high-speed Internet under the Connecting Communities Agreement. At that time they sought local groups interested in providing “last-mile” service to homes and businesses once TELUS connected high-speed Internet to a central location in each community. In December, partnerships with ISPs serving the first 31 communities were announced. With today’s announcement, over half the 119 rural communities will have access to broadband through local Internet service providers.
“We have a responsibility to ensure all communities and citizens have access to high-speed Internet,” said de Jong. “This partnership between the Province and TELUS makes affordable broadband a reality. It bridges the digital divide to create exciting opportunities for those who live and work in these 32 communities.”
“Access to high speed internet service is bringing tremendous economic development, education, and health care opportunities to rural B.C. communities,” said Natale. “Through this unique partnership, ISPs in dozens of small B.C. communities are able to bring high speed service to customers using a connection to TELUS’ high speed network. All of this is happening at no cost to taxpayers, as TELUS is investing the entire $110 million required to bring high speed infrastructure to the 119 communities.”
All ISP applications were reviewed jointly by the
Province and TELUS, who have now awarded 35 Internet service providers contracts to bring “last-mile” service to a
total of 63 of the communities. Several ISPs, which include First Nations
groups, community groups, and existing ISPs, will provide service in multiple
communities. TELUS will enter agreements with each to connect them to a
high-speed access point at a competitive cost. In turn, the ISPs will provide
local service to homes and businesses.
The
Province and TELUS will continue to engage with organizations interested in ISP
status for the remaining communities.
For more information, visit the Connecting
Communities Website at www.network.gov.bc.ca
or www.telus.com/connectingcommunities.
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contact: |
Communications Director Ministry of Labour and Citizens’ Services 250 387-2699 |
Media and Public Relations TELUS 604 697-8176 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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