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Innovation, Business and Rural Development
March 21, 2012

Telecommunications Environment
Strengthened with Provincial Government Support

Strategic partnerships, coupled with investments totalling $27 million that levered another $115 million reflect the Provincial Government’s commitment made to improving Newfoundland and Labrador’s telecommunications environment. These investments have increased the availability of broadband access to more than 470 communities representing a 312 per cent increase from 2003.

Comments made by the Official Opposition yesterday further display their inability to acquire important insights into how the telecommunications sector operates.

“It is disappointing that after all of these years the Official Opposition still fails to understand that the telecommunications sector is regulated by the Federal Government and service is delivered by private sector businesses,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “Our function, as a Provincial Government, is that of a facilitator. Our role has been to provide an incentive for Internet service providers to deliver access where the business case is not strong enough for them to go it alone.”

Upon being elected in 2003, the Provincial Government took immediate steps to improve the telecommunications deficit inherited from the previous administration.

“A stronger, more competitive telecommunications environment has long been a priority of this government,” said Minister Hutchings. “Successful partnerships with industry and the Federal Government have underlined the importance of this issue and increased the availability of important services to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

“While significant accomplishments have been made, our work is not done,” said Minister Hutchings. “In collaboration with our partners, we are continuing to identify and advance measures to help improve broadband and cellular service in all regions of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The Federal Government’s recent decision to lift foreign investment restrictions in Canada’s telecommunications, as well as dialogue at a meeting March 19 in Montreal of federal, provincial, and territorial economic ministers, who met to discuss Canada’s digital economy, illustrates the importance of this issue.

“Nationally, all jurisdictions are pursuing avenues to improve telecommunications,” said Minister Hutchings. “It is seen as an integral part of economic and business development. The collective effort to increase competition and provide a greater level of service to residents and commercial operations illustrates the importance of this issue.”

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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca 

2012 03 21             9:55 a.m.

 
 
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