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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
VICTORIA – Twenty-five rural B.C. communities have received funding to help bring broadband Internet to homes and businesses, Labour and Citizens’ Services Minister Michael de Jong announced today.
NetworkBC has provided $400,000 in Community Networking Infrastructure
Grants for the purchase of ‘last mile’ infrastructure necessary to connect
local Internet providers with a broadband point of presence in their communities.
Grants of up to $40,000 have been awarded to 18 recipients representing 25
rural communities.
“All British Columbians should have equal opportunity to benefit from the knowledge economy,” said de Jong. “If you live in a rural community, high-speed Internet gives you access to the same online education, health information and business opportunities already enjoyed by those living in more major centres.”
In 2005, the 151 communities on
NetworkBC’s Digital Divide list, all of which were without access to high-speed
broadband Internet, were invited to apply for Community Networking
Infrastructure Grants. To date, NetworkBC has awarded grants totalling $1
million to help connect 57 of these communities to broadband Internet.
NetworkBC is a dedicated project office within the Ministry of Labour and
Citizens’ Services, working with British Columbia communities and the private
sector to connect all B.C. communities to broadband telecommunications
networks.
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Communications Director Ministry of Labour and Citizens’ Services 250 387-2699 |
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