Faster, More Reliable Internet Coming to Rural Eastern Ontario

Project will increase high-speed Internet coverage in Renfrew area communities


OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 7, 2015) - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

The Internet is a tool that spurs economic growth, broadens business opportunities and connects Canadian communities, friends and family from coast to coast to coast. goZoom.ca is receiving up to $172,000 from the Government of Canada to increase broadband Internet access in communities in eastern Ontario and help keep Canada at the leading edge of the digital economy.

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. Through the Government's Connecting Canadians program, approximately 1,000 households in the Renfrew area, including the townships of Bonnechere Valley, Admaston/Bromley, North Algona Wilberforce and Greater Madawaska, will have access to broadband at speeds of 5 megabits per second (Mbps).

The project is expected to be completed by mid-2016.

Quick facts

  • The $305-million Connecting Canadians program will extend and enhance broadband service to over 280,000 households across Canada.
  • The Connecting Canadians program is part of the Government of Canada's comprehensive approach to improving Internet access in rural and remote areas, which also includes spectrum auctions that promote private sector investment.

Quotes

"Access to higher speed Internet can help unlock the tremendous potential of our country's rural and northern regions and ensure that Canadians can make the most of the digital economy no matter where they live. By working with partners like goZoom, we are helping to deliver increased broadband coverage to the Renfrew area, whose citizens will benefit from improved communications and media; greater employment, education and e-health opportunities; and improved access to online goods and services."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"goZoom.ca has been providing fast, reliable, affordable high-speed Internet service to our customers for over 10 years. This funding will help us extend our service into areas that do not yet have access to 5 Mbps broadband, creating potential economic development in those areas while also increasing residents' quality of life and enabling businesses to compete more effectively."

- Ian Fraser, Founder and CEO, goZoom.ca Inc.

Associated link

- Connecting Canadians website

Follow the Minister on Twitter: @MinisterISED

Contact Information:

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and
Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca