PEI – Bell Aliant and the Government of PEI have confirmed the completion of the broadband infrastructure build to deliver high-speed Internet to virtually all areas of the province by the end of the year.
The $8.2 million project, announced in November 2008, added more than 21,000 homes and businesses to the broadband coverage area in 2009. Bell Aliant said that it will work with customers in early 2010 to continue the installations of high-speed Internet.
In addition, Bell Aliant and the provincial government officially launched the rural broadband fund (RBF), a five-year strategic partnership designed to support innovation in information technology across the province.
“Today I’m proud to announce that we’ll be able to offer high-speed Internet province-wide to our customers,” said Bruce Howatt, Bell Aliant’s PEI VP, in the announcement. “Our employees from across the Island have worked very hard to reach this important milestone. We are equally thrilled to help stimulate technological innovation in PEI through the Rural Broadband Fund.”
Funding for the RBF will be considered for one or two-year projects. Successful applicants are eligible for a one-year, up to $50,000 award, or a two-year, up to $100,000 award. The call for applications will be announced shortly.
