GANDER, NL – Up to $542 723 in program savings from Industry Canada’s Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program will be invested in the Kittiwake Economic Development Corporation.
This will deploy broadband, or high-capacity Internet, to communities in remote or rural Newfoundland & Labrador that are not currently served by broadband announced Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Regional Minister for NL (on behalf of Industry Canada).
"Broadband is an essential tool that enables communities to strengthen their collective approach to commerce, education, health and other areas," said Hearn. "The Government of Canada is committed to the economic and social well-being of all communities through broadband access."
Funding for the Kittiwake Economic Development Corporation project became available from cost savings realized from some of the 58 previous Broadband Pilot Program project recipients. For instance, in some cases, recipients were able to secure additional funding partners, thereby reducing the amount of funding required from the Broadband Pilot Program. The Kittiwake Economic Development Corporation project represents an estimated 18 communities as defined by the applicant, as originally submitted in the project’s business proposal.
The funding announced today is subject to successful negotiations among all parties through a formal contribution agreement. There is also the potential for additional projects to be considered, contingent upon available program savings, says the press release.
To date, the Broadband Pilot Program has reached out to almost 900 communities, including 142 First Nations reserves. It complements the $155-million National Satellite Initiative.
