CHARLOTTETOWN — The government of Prince Edward Island announced Friday it has signed federal-provincial agreements with Bell Canada and Xplornet, as well as a funding arrangement with local Internet provider Air Tech Communications through the PEI Broadband Fund, which will result in access to faster, more stable Internet service for rural Islanders.
In March 2019, the federal and provincial governments committed to investing more than $36 million towards the Bell Canada and Xplornet projects.
“Bell is pleased to partner with the Government of Prince Edward Island to enhance broadband connections for Islanders in rural communities,” said Glen LeBlanc, Bell’s chief financial officer and vice-chair, Atlantic, in the news release. “As the leading builder of Canada’s communications infrastructure, including here in Prince Edward Island, Bell recognizes that investment in broadband Internet is an investment in the economic potential of entire communities.”
“We are very proud to be serving residents of Prince Edward Island today and are looking forward to expanding our fibre-based services, enabling us to serve more homes with faster speeds, and unlimited data plans, in the months ahead,” added Xplornet president and CEO Allison Lenehan. “We thank the Province of Prince Edward Island for the opportunity to work together on this exciting project that will deliver amazing broadband to rural Islanders.”
The PEI Broadband Fund provides financial assistance to Island communities, business and Internet service providers. Air Tech Communications is the first local ISP to receive support from the fund.
“Air Tech Communications Inc. is pleased to have the support of the Government of Prince Edward Island through the PEI Broadband Fund to assist in increasing its capacity in the Richmond/Grand River, and surrounding areas,” said Air Tech Communications owner Kent England. “This is a preliminary step towards expanding service levels using both enhanced wireless and fibre infrastructure in this area to help us meet the growing needs of our customers now and in the future.”
PEI communities, businesses and ISPs can apply for up to 50% of eligible costs for a project approved through the PEI Broadband Fund. For more information for ISPs, please visit: Broadband Fund for Internet Service Providers.
For more information about the Bell and Xplornet projects, plus other approved projects of the PEI Broadband Fund, click here.
