Innovation, Business and Rural Development
April 4, 2014
Energizing the Economy through Expanded Broadband Access
Province’s Telecommunications Infrastructure Strengthened with $4 Million Investment in Broadband Service to Connaigre Peninsula
As a part of the commitment to provide leading edge telecommunications services and infrastructure in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, and Bell Aliant have partnered to support a $4 million initiative which will enhance broadband coverage to the Connaigre Peninsula.
“This project will strengthen infrastructure, support improvements to current
services and deliver improved broadband to over 2,000 households on the
Connaigre Peninsula. The new broadband capacity will support economic and social
opportunities and a more attractive environment for business development. We are
pleased to continue to advance broadband access to communities and businesses
throughout the province, and have made tremendous progress, with 95 per cent of
the provincial population having coverage.”
- The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural
Development
The $4 million initiative will support infrastructure upgrades on the Connaigre Peninsula to improve existing infrastructure in order to relieve congestion for existing customers, and expand service. The initiative is funded by investments of $1.33 million from the Provincial Government, $1.5 million from the Government of Canada ($750,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and $750,000 from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada), and $1.17 million from Bell Aliant.
“Our Government is pleased to provide support for broadband infrastructure on
the Connaigre Peninsula, which will improve economic development capacity in the
region, support growth industries such as aquaculture and facilitate job
creation. This investment also highlights our Government’s commitment to working
in partnership with Aboriginal people to create healthier and more prosperous
communities.”
- Senator David Wells, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister
for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency), and the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Bell Aliant has commenced work, with extended broadband services expected to be available in July 2014.
“This collaboration strengthens our ability to expand and enhance the
Internet experience for residents of the Connaigre Peninsula. We are very
pleased to be a part of a partnership that provides more access and faster
speeds and helps make our province competitive on a global scale.”
- Geoff Davis, Regional Vice President Sales, Newfoundland and Labrador Bell
Aliant
The Miawpukek First Nation will be provided with significant new broadband infrastructure that will relieve congestion in Conne River, and allow for new customers to avail of internet services.
“In October 2008, Miawpukek First Nation was successful in acquiring
broadband service, which was a benefit to the entire region. However, due to
increased demand, the efficiency of the service was brief. This new
infrastructure will allow Miawpukek First Nation and the other 21 communities
within the Coast of Bays to advance into the 21st century.”
- Chief Misel Joe, Miawpukek First Nation
The investment in broadband service will address Internet congestion issues for existing customers on the Connaigre Peninsula.
“I am pleased with our government’s investment in broadband and commitment to
the region. I know that improved internet services will make a huge difference
to the continued prosperity of our entire region and I thank Chief Misel Joe and
the Miawpukek First Nation and all the partners for their hard work achieving
this most welcome infrastructure project.”
- Tracey Perry, MHA Fortune Bay-Cape La Hune
QUICK FACTS
- 30 -
Media contacts:
Heather MacLean Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 697-4137 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
Kelsie Corey Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Rob Moore Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 613-941-7241 |
Mark Duggan Senior Corporate Affairs Advisor Bell Aliant 709-687-3136 mark.duggan@bellaliant.ca |
Julie Afonso Acting Director, Public Affairs ACOA NL 709-772-2984 |
Alma Benoit Assistant to Chief Misel Joe 709-882-2470 ext. 1264 abenoit@mfngov.ca |
Carolyn Collier Constituency Assistant to Tracey Perry MHA for Fortune Bay-Cape La Hune 709-538-3112 |
2014 04 04 11:30 a.m.