KAP President Planning To Follow Up On Broadband Announcement

Nov 13, 2020

Earlier this week, the federal government announced $750 million in funding for the Universal Broadband Fund. This is additional funding to the $1 billion announced in the 2019 budget.

The government also announced a $600 million agreement to improve connectivity and expand high-speed Internet coverage to the far north, rural, and remote regions across Canada.

Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) President Bill Campbell welcomes the announcement, but says he'll be looking for some answers.

"Through this pandemic we have seen the reliance and dependence on rural connectivity. I'm encouraged by this announcement but we have heard money being thrown at these programs before and I can guarantee you I will personally be investigating this because our internet service is not adequate for what my requirements are at this particular time."

The government also announced that $150 million from the fund will be available immediately for projects.

The Universal Broadband Fund is predicted to provide 98% high-speed internet coverage by 2026, and 100% by 2030.

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