Budget 2019: a major boost for rural broadband

broadbandFor months, FCM has made it clear that—for the two million Canadians who still can’t access a reliable Internet connection, many of whom live in rural, northern and remote communities—universal broadband is about building better lives.

High-speed Internet access means that businesses can compete and grow. Better connectivity means that families can access quality health care and students can access modern education. It means that entire communities can enjoy a higher quality of life.

We brought that message straight to the federal government. In Budget 2019, they acted directly on our local expertise.

Following our recommendation, Budget 2019 invests significantly in broadband and cellular connectivity. It commits between $5 and $6 billion over the next 10 years, including $1.7 billion for a Universal Broadband Fund.

This is a major boost for rural, northern and remote communities—for their economies and quality of life. And it’s key to Canada’s economic future. If this country is going to reach its full potential, everyone needs a fair opportunity to thrive.

Going forward, we stand ready to work with our federal partners to help bring high-speed Internet access to all Canadians, no matter where they live.

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