MP Bev Shipley announces major investment that will bring fast, reliable Internet services to 11,000 homes in southwestern Ontario
STRATHROY, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 23, 2015) - Industry Canada
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Everyday tasks that were once done in person, such as shopping, communicating, learning and banking, are now done online. To help Canadian communities, businesses and families have better access to these and many other online opportunities, Bev Shipley, Member of Parliament for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, today announced that the Harper Government will provide TekSavvy and Execulink Telecom with a total of $3.15 million to connect over 11,000 homes in southwestern Ontario to faster Internet services. This investment will benefit 30 communities in southwestern Ontario.
Mr. Shipley highlighted the fact that over 5,000 households in the Lambton-Kent-Middlesex region will benefit from the investment announced today. These broadband infrastructure projects are expected to be completed by the end of April 2018, delivering Internet download speeds of up to 20 megabits per second (Mbps).
For all Canadians, the Internet is a tool that spurs economic growth, broadens opportunities, and connects friends and family from coast to coast to coast. For Canadians who live in communities with slow or no Internet, access to high-speed services will lead to new economic opportunities and the creation of new jobs, products and services.
By Canada's 150th birthday in 2017, over 98 percent of Canadian households will be able to subscribe to new or improved high-speed Internet services, which helps deliver on the Government's commitment to rural Canadians.
Quick facts
Quotes
"I am pleased to make this announcement today on behalf of Industry Minister James Moore. Thanks to these three projects, the residents of this great region of southwestern Ontario will benefit from all the advantages and possibilities offered by high-speed Internet service."
- Bev Shipley, Member of Parliament for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex
"Today's announcement is another step towards the Government of Canada's goal to ensuring all Canadians have the opportunity to fully participate in the digital economy. Communities, families, farmers, and local shop owners nationwide will soon benefit from this broadband expansion project and the advantages associated with high-speed Internet access."
- James Moore, Minister of Industry
"With the assistance of the Government of Canada, we are excited to be able to invest in network access facilities that will see southwestern Ontario become more connected and to deliver an awesome Internet experience over that connection."
- Marc Gaudrault, Chief Executive Officer, TekSavvy
"Participating in the Connecting Canadians program will allow Execulink to expand our fibre to the home network to the rural communities of Poplar Hill, Melrose, Coldstream, Lobo, Denfield and Carlisle, giving them the ability to stay competitive with urban communities. It will also allow us to upgrade the infrastructure on our existing fixed wireless facilities in Oxford, Elgin and Middlesex, providing more homeowners who use this service access to higher Internet speeds. Overall it is an exciting day for Internet users in our area, and we look forward to bringing these enhanced services to them."
- Ian Stevens, President and CEO, Execulink Telecom
Associated link
• Connecting Canadians website
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