Innovation, Business and Rural Development
March 5, 2013

Rural Broadband to Reach More Communities

An investment of $1.5 million announced today (Tuesday, March 5) by the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, will improve broadband access and increase communications capacity for approximately 40 communities in rural regions. This will bring access to more than 500 communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador – up from 114 communities in 2003.

“Broadband access is a key component of the province’s innovation infrastructure and we are committed to bringing that access to previously unserved rural communities,” said Minister Hutchings. “This is another step in our commitment to expand broadband coverage for rural communities and businesses throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The new funding is being allocated to four private companies which will bring broadband access to rural communities throughout regions of the island portion of the province. Of the funding, Bell Aliant will receive close to $490,000, Great Northern Wireless will receive almost $353,000, Eastlink will receive approximately $324,000, and EION Inc. will receive $342,000.

Bell Aliant will be the carrier for Phillips Head, Point of Bay, Embree, Admiral’s Cove, Brigus South, Horsechops, Point May, Forest Field and New Bridge, as well as some households in St. Joseph’s.

Great Northern Wireless will be the carrier for Rocky Pond, Howley, Bonne Bay Pond South, Jackson's Arm, Sop's Arm, and Pollard's Point.

The carrier for Harbour Round, Brent’s Cove, and Shoe Cove will be Eastlink.

EION Inc. will be working with these service providers to make fixed wireless broadband access available to an additional 24 unserved communities distributed throughout the island portion of the province.

In September 2012, the Provincial Government released Phase Two of the Rural Broadband Initiative call for proposals which closed in November 2012. These four companies were identified as the successful applicants for this exciting initiative.
Strategic investments and effective partnerships have been the cornerstone to identifying and delivering broadband solutions to date. This will continue during Phase Two of the Rural Broadband Initiative as the Provincial Government works with partners to create greater broadband access.

As outlined in the 2006 innovation strategy Innovation Newfoundland and Labrador: A Blueprint for Prosperity, broadband access is a key component of the province’s innovation infrastructure. Stemming from the innovation strategy, close to $29 million has been directed towards improving broadband access in all regions of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media contact:
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

2013 03 05                                3:20 p.m.