TORONTO, FREDERICTON and ST. JOHN’S — Rogers Communications announced Wednesday morning it is expanding eligibility for its Connected for Success low-cost Internet program to help bridge the digital divide for many more people residing within its service areas in Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
The company is also introducing new Internet packages with more speed options to support the evolving connectivity needs of low-income Canadians across these three provinces.
In Ontario, the Connected for Success program is expanding to new qualifying customers receiving income support through Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). In New Brunswick, new eligible customers receiving income support through the province’s Social Assistance Program and Disability Support Program can now apply to the Connected for Success program. And in Newfoundland, Rogers’ program is expanding to new qualifying customers receiving income and disability benefits through the province’s Income Support program. In addition, seniors in all three provinces receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement can now apply to Rogers’ newly expanded program.
“This last year in particular has shown us the vital role that networks and connectivity play in all of our lives. At Rogers we want to help ensure that no Canadian is left behind in accessing affordable Internet options,” said Joe Natale, president and CEO, in a press release.
Currently, as part of its Connected for Success program, Rogers offers a 25 Mbps speed Internet package for $10/mo. It is now adding two new speed options: 75 Mbps for $25/mo and 150 Mbps for $35/mo. This spring, Rogers will introduce a new 50 Mbps speed option at $15/mo to support the federal government’s high-speed Internet target, the company says.
Eligible customers can find more information and apply through Rogers’ Connected for Success website here.
Rogers first offered a low-cost Internet program in 2013 for people living in Toronto Community Housing. The company then expanded the program in 2016 in Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland for people in rent-geared-to-income housing, and then later for families receiving the Maximum Child Care Benefit through Connecting Families in 2018.
“It is a priority for our government to ensure that all Canadians get connected, and we are counting on our partners in the private sector to help us achieve that goal. I congratulate Rogers on expanding its Connected for Success program, now helping even more Canadians with their connectivity needs, and further bridging the digital divide,” said François-Philippe Champagne, minister of innovation, science and industry, in the Rogers press release.
