Feds unveil $500M ‘Connect to Innovate’ rural broadband program

WAKEFIELD, QC – The Federal Government will invest $500 million by 2021 to bring access to high-speed Internet to 300 rural and remote communities across Canada under a new program known as Connect to Innovate.Developed in consultation with stakeholders and Internet service providers, Connect to Innovate will focus primarily on the construction of new backbone infrastructure to connect institutions like schools, hospitals, First Nation band offices and libraries, as well as to improve residential, business and mobile services, reads Thursday’s announcement. A portion of the program's funding will include backbone upgrades, as well as last-mile infrastructure, to bring Internet access...