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In June 2008, the Government of Ontario announced a $30 million, four-year initiative designed to reduce broadband infrastructure gaps in underserved rural regions in southern Ontario.
Rural Connections will have a positive impact on families in rural Ontario by leveraging broadband infrastructure investment from private-sector businesses and public partners to enhance economic development and improve access to public services such as e-learning, e-health and e-government.
Rural Connections is led and administered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) in partnership with the Ministries of Government and Consumer Services (MGCS) and Small Business and Entrepreneurship (MSBE).
For more information on the program please see the OMAFRA web site.
The County of Wellington, in partnership with all seven local Municipalities and Wellington Waterloo Community Futures (WWCFDC) is ready for high speed Internet! In February 2009, an application was submitted to request funding to cover the gaps that exist in the rural areas of Wellington County.
On June 19, 2009 John Wilkinson, MPP for Perth-Wellington announced that Wellington County was one of 14 municipalities selected to receive broadband funding from the Province’s Rural Connections program. The Province’s one third contribution of $1 million will go towards building $3 million in broadband infrastructure. Infrastructure that when completed, will provide a 90% chance of access to affordable broadband Internet for all areas of the County.
Link to OMAFRA press release
Link to County of Wellington press release
Prior to the submission in February, the County underwent a competitive bid process to select an Internet Service Provider to undertake the infrastructure build and contribute to the project. Everus Communications Inc. was selected to build the high speed wireless network for the County’s businesses and residents.
Everus is currently experiencing financial difficulties and cannot commence the build until these difficulties have been resolved. An extension has been granted to Everus to resolve their financial issues, after which time the situation will be re-assessed. Current clients should experience no change to the level of service they receive during this period. New clients can expect delays in obtaining service. The pricing schedule for installation costs has been revised although monthly fees remain unchanged. For more information please contact Everus.
Pending a successful outcome of the vendor’s current situation, the rollout plan will be finalized with locations identified and timelines determined.
Questions? Contact: highspeed@wellington.ca
You can also contact Everus Communications Inc. if you have any questions regarding availability of high speed wireless currently in your area.
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Key Documents for Rural High Speed Internet
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