REGINA – Thirty rural communities and up to 163 institutions in Saskatchewan will receive access to high-speed or faster Internet through a $21.6-million investment led by Federal Government’s rural broadband program Connect to Innovate.
The Connect to Innovate program will contribute $12.6 million and $9 million will be provided by the applicants, says Friday’s announcement made by Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains.
"For rural communities in Saskatchewan, digital investment through the Connect to Innovate program enhances opportunities for residents of all ages”, said Minster Goodale, in the announcement. “This important investment will support industries like farming and manufacturing in data collection and observation, students and youth in learning, and residents in day-to-day life with connected devices. It's all part of our government's plan to help create opportunity in all communities, including rural communities in the prairies."
SaskTel will receive $6.63 million in federal funding to provide 16 rural communities and up to 129 institutions with new or increased capacity to access high-speed Internet; and FlexNetworks will receive $5.95 million to connect 14 communities and up to 34 institutions.
"SaskTel is pleased to partner with the federal government to improve broadband services in rural Saskatchewan”, added SaskTel’s acting president and CEO Doug Burnett. “This partnership will help us provide the people of rural Saskatchewan with the services they need to fully participate in the digital world and take advantage of the social, economic and educational opportunities that exist today."
Photo from Friday’s announcement via Minister Goodale's Twitter account
