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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

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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.

 
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