Federal Government delivers Broadband to 4800 homes in Kamloops – Thompson - Cariboo
Ottawa – Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo was pleased that the riding has received conditional funding of
$2,079,464 under the Broadband Canada: Connecting Rural Canadians program.
“The estimated number of households to be connected in our region is 4,835. I am delighted that these households will soon have access to the economic and social benefits of high-speed Internet service for the first time,” said McLeod.
Budget 2009 – Canada’s Economic Action Plan provided $225 million to Industry Canada to develop and implement a strategy to extend broadband coverage. By far the biggest component of this strategy is the Broadband Canada initiative that targets Canadians living in unserved and underserved areas. This is the first funding announcement under the program; others will follow until all available funds have been allocated.
The call for applications for funding under the program closed on October 23, 2009 by which time 570 applications were received. Applications were assessed against a range of criteria, with emphasis on best value and number of households served. Applicants were also required to demonstrate their ability to deliver, within the timeframe, a viable and sustainable business model.
“I know many in Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo will be keen to be connected as soon as possible. The one stipulation of this project it that it must be completed by December 31, 2011. I would encourage those wanting the most up-to-date information to subscribe to the Broadband Canada list to receive updates about the program as they become available,” concluded McLeod.
